My name is Layla Al-Mansouri, and I want to share my story in the hope that it might inspire someone else who feels lost as I once did. For years, I struggled silently with an addiction to alcohol. It was a secret I carried with immense shame, as it went against everything I was taught and believed about myself. Today, I am living proof that change is possible, and I owe so much of that to Rahul Seth and Releaf.co.in.
Growing up in a conservative family in the Middle East, addiction wasn’t something anyone spoke about openly.
There was no vocabulary for it, no safe space to admit that I was struggling. After moving to a bustling city for university, I found myself overwhelmed by a world that felt so different from home. The pressure to excel, to fit in, and to prove myself pushed me into a corner.
At first, drinking seemed harmless.
A glass at a party, then two, then three. It made me feel less anxious, more confident, like I belonged. But over time, what began as a way to feel free became a prison of its own. By my late twenties, I was drinking alone at night, hiding bottles, and waking up every morning with regret and self-loathing. I felt trapped in a cycle I couldn’t escape, terrified that if anyone found out, I’d bring shame to my family.
When I finally reached out to Releaf.co.in, I had hit a point of utter despair. I had heard about Rahul Seth through a friend who described him as compassionate and understanding, and I decided to take a leap of faith. From our very first conversation, I felt a sense of relief, as though I was finally being heard without judgment.
Rahul has a gift for making people feel safe.
He listened to my story with empathy and patience, never once making me feel lesser for the choices I had made. Instead, he helped me understand that addiction wasn’t about weakness or failure; it was about pain I had buried and emotions I had avoided for years. With his guidance, I began the difficult work of healing.
Rahul’s approach wasn’t about rigid rules or lectures. He took the time to understand me—my culture, my experiences, and my fears—and created a plan that honored who I was. He encouraged me to explore mindfulness, which felt awkward at first but soon became a powerful tool for managing my emotions. He also helped me rebuild my sense of self-worth, reminding me that I wasn’t defined by my mistakes.
There were many difficult moments in my journey.
The cravings were intense, and there were days I doubted my ability to keep going. But Rahul’s support never wavered. He was always there, whether it was through a call, a message, or simply a reminder of how far I had come. His belief in me gave me the strength to keep fighting, even when it felt impossible.
Today, I am 15 months sober.
I have reconnected with my family, who, to my surprise, embraced me with love when I finally shared my struggles. I’ve started a new job that aligns with my passion for art and design, and I’ve discovered a strength within myself that I didn’t know existed.
Rahul, I can never thank you enough for the role you played in this transformation. You gave me the tools to not only overcome my addiction but to rediscover myself. Your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering belief in me have changed my life in ways I didn’t think were possible.
For anyone reading this, if you’re struggling with addiction, please know that there is hope. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s the first step toward freedom.
And with someone like Rahul by your side, I promise you, it’s a journey worth taking.
With deep gratitude,
Layla Al-Mansouri
