Drug addicts journey from hardships to recovery
Kesten Lochenberg shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in creating delicious treats to inspire others and build a bright future.
At just 22 years old, Kesten Lochenberg is on a journey of overcoming struggles and finding a new purpose in life after facing significant hardships.
Diagnosed with encephalitis at the age of two, he has battled the effects of brain inflammation caused by the viral infection, which led to epilepsy and learning difficulties in school. His challenges escalated as he fell into addiction, a struggle that has seen him in and out of rehab multiple times.
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He recently completed a rehabilitation programme on June 13, and is determined to focus on his recovery. “I am trying to work hard on my recovery, and trying to get better, not to go back to my old ways,” he shared.
As he works on rebuilding his life, Lochenberg is also working on strengthening his connection with a higher power.
Through his journey, Lochenberg has discovered a newfound passion for making ice cream, waffles, and milkshakes – treats he has loved since childhood. “It feels great making people smile and just seeing the looks on people’s faces when they taste it,” he said. His love for creating delicious flavours has inspired him to dream of starting a franchise in the future, and growing his business, which is currently hosted in an ice cream truck.
Lochenberg credits his family for their support throughout his journey. However, he acknowledges the obstacles he has faced, including the aggressive nature of addiction. He recalls being introduced to marijuana at the age of 12 by a cousin, which marked the beginning of a long struggle with substance abuse. “At first, I did not really like it, but as I kept on smoking, the addiction got worse over time.”
Now, with his newfound love for making delicious treats, he hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, and is excited about the future that lies ahead.
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