Rethabile Mosisili was former Prime Minister Dr. Pakalitha Mosisili’s son, speaking at his son’s funeral, Dr. Mosisili said his son battled alcoholism throughout his life. In a heartfelt statement, the Mosisili family revealed that Adv. Rethabile Godfrey Mosisili struggled with alcohol-use disorder, shedding light on his private battle and the broader issue of alcohol addiction.”Our beloved son, father, and brother, Adv. Rethabile Mosisili, struggled with alcohol-use disorder,” the family disclosed.
They chose to make this public statement during April, recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month, to share insights about the disease and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
Lesotho Tribune [LT] took an opportunity to interview late Advocate Mosisili’s son, Pulumo Mosisili [PM]
LT: Can you share with us some of the challenges Adv. Rethabile Mosisili faced while dealing with alcohol-use disorder?
PM: Advocate Rethabile’s journey has been marked by significant health challenges stemming from his struggle with alcohol use disorder. Following the removal of his gallbladder due to his condition, he faced difficulties maintaining a consistent diet. In 2009, he underwent a major operation and was given a grim prognosis, yet he defied the odds and continued to persevere. However, in 2020, he found himself once again confronted with serious health concerns arising from affliction. Alongside his health battles, Advocate Rethabile also had to contend with the stigma associated with alcohol use, enduring not only physical ailments but also the societal judgment and ridicule often directed towards those grappling with alcohol use disorder. Despite the lack of compassion from some quarters, he faced these challenges head-on, with his family members also bearing the brunt of societal misconceptions and criticism.
LT: How do you think disclosing his struggle with alcohol-use disorder can help raise awareness about this disease during Alcohol Awareness Month?
PM: Advocate Rethabile was widely esteemed across various spheres of life, known for his affability and widespread popularity. His altruistic nature extended to caring for numerous individuals, regardless of personal acquaintance; he was always ready to lend a helping hand. It is our belief that Ntate Rethabile would have wished to raise awareness about the perils of alcoholism, emphasizing its indiscriminate impact across diverse backgrounds and the potential lethality of its consequences. As a family, we have chosen to honor his memory by shedding light on this crucial issue, underscoring that alcoholism is a mental illness that can afflict anyone, and taking this step is a significant testament to his legacy.
LT: What support did Adv. Mosisili receive while battling alcohol-use disorder, and what support do you believe is crucial for others facing similar challenges?
PM: Advocate Mosisili was fortunate to receive unwavering support from both his immediate and extended family, who accompanied him to numerous medical facilities and engaged in heartfelt conversations to offer assistance. It’s imperative that we refrain from passing judgment or criticism towards individuals grappling with alcohol addiction. While our family may have sometimes expressed concerns, it was always rooted in care rather than malice. Supporting a loved one battling alcohol use disorder is a challenging and prolonged journey.
However, we recognize the importance of understanding that the first step towards recovery often involves the individual acknowledging their struggle. This became his biggest roadblock being that he could never acknowledge the problem.
Consequently, interventions and compassionate discussions can play pivotal roles in facilitating this acknowledgment and initiating the path towards healing. Resources such as the Anti Drug Abuse Association of Lesotho stand ready to provide assistance and support in these endeavors.
LT: How do you hope this disclosure will help combat the stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and promote understanding within communities?
PM: Disclosing Advocate Rethabile Mosisili’s affliction with alcohol use disorder can serve as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness about the pervasive nature of addiction and its impact on individuals and families. By sharing Advocate Mosisili’s journey openly and honestly, we shed light on the reality that alcohol use disorder can affect anyone, regardless of their status or reputation. Through this disclosure, we can dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction and foster empathy and understanding within our communities. Moreover, Advocate Mosisili’s story can inspire others struggling with similar challenges to seek help and embark on their own paths to recovery.
By initiating conversations and advocating for support and resources, we can collectively work towards destigmatizing addiction and creating a more compassionate and supportive society for those affected by alcohol use disorder.
LT: In what ways do you think individuals and communities can empower themselves with knowledge to assist loved ones struggling with alcohol-use disorder?
PM: Individuals and communities can empower themselves with knowledge to assist loved ones grappling with alcohol use disorder through various means. By educating themselves about the signs, symptoms, and effects of addiction, they can better identify when a loved one may be struggling and understand the complexities involved.
Open and honest communication fosters a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help, while awareness of available resources such as support groups and treatment programs enables effective support.
Establishing healthy boundaries and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining emotional well-being, and cultivating empathy helps reduce stigma and encourages individuals to seek help. Additionally, promoting awareness of the risks associated with alcohol use and collaborating with local organizations and healthcare providers contribute to prevention efforts and facilitate access to support networks.
Through these efforts, individuals and communities can play a crucial role in supporting loved ones’ recovery journeys and fostering a healthier, more supportive society.
