If Rehabitus Were a Real Place...
It Would Be a Dojo
Rehabitus: Personal growth in life after addiction.
In case you’re new to Rehabitus, my long-term goal is to open a rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol misuse in England.
Despite substance misuse disorder being characterised by a chronic relapsing nature and ultimately involving individual choice, I believe the rehabilitation scene here can do more to reduce relapse rates by helping individuals grow beyond their perceived limitations.
This Substack publication represents the first step in making this goal a reality. I’ve discussed my vision and team in a previous newsletter.
A while back,
asked, “How would you best describe your Substack as if it were a real place?”This question made me reflect on how I want Rehabitus to feel in a person’s heart and soul.
Describe Rehabitus as If It Were a Real Place
Describing Rehabitus was easy because its essence is inspired by martial arts clubs I’ve attended. Here it goes:
Rehabitus is a dojo on the second floor of an old converted factory mill in northern England. You’ve heard about it but never been inside. From the outside, it’s almost unnoticeable. You make the decision to enter. The creaky, old, dust-laden stairs make you question if you’ve come to the right place. At the top, you find a door. As you open it, the unmistakable scent of hard work hits you, accompanied by the sharp sounds of punchbags being hit.
You walk in, and fighters spar intensely, but with camaraderie and mutual respect. You see the white belts learning basic movements and the higher belts honing their techniques with relentless repetition.
A thick-set man with cauliflower ears who is leading the group notices you. His black belt has come slightly undone from demonstrating techniques. He turns away to tie it correctly, showing proper respect for your presence. He won’t have you see him untidy. Once his belt is in order, he turns back to you, approaches, bows, and firmly shakes your hand. 'Put this on,' he says, handing you a gi. The other fighters notice you too and give you a welcoming northern nod. You’ve found where you need to be.
You recognise the journey ahead will be tough, but you are certain it will be worth every effort.
Rehabitus is a place of dedication, resilience, and mutual support. Although it’s not going to be a martial arts dojo, the spirit of hard work, respect, and community will be at its core.
Who knows, maybe martial arts training will be part of our future...
Thank you for reading my newsletter.
If you found value in the content, a simple like, comment, or share with a friend can help this reach more people. If you’re new to this publication, I’d love for you to subscribe for free too.
If you'd like to support me further, consider upgrading to a paid subscription.
While everyone has free access, paid subscribers help me improve and expand this service.
What Rehabitus Offers:
Discover insights on building a growth-oriented mindset after addiction.
Connect with a community dedicated to a sober and fulfilling life.
Stay inspired with regular updates, new perspectives, and continuous support.
Support Rehabitus with a one-off, commitment-free donation:
As a fellow sober martial artist, I feel it. 👊
Congrats! Looks awesome man!!