Methodist minister shares kava addiction recovery journey

A senior Methodist minister who once defended kava use is now publicly sharing his recovery journey and encouraging others struggling with addiction to seek help.

Methodist Church minister and Truth and Reconciliation Commission team leader Reverend Wilfred Regunamada has taken to social media through his Facebook page, Na Vei Buli Vou – The Journey, to document his experience and support others facing similar challenges.

His message is simple: recognising an addiction is the first step towards overcoming it.

For Rev Regunamada, kava consumption began as a traditional practice deeply woven into daily life.

According to Fiji's 2025 STEPS Survey Report, kava is consumed by more than half the population and has been linked to liver toxicity, including liver failure.

The report found kava consumption was higher among men than women across all age groups. It also noted that grog sessions were often accompanied by smoking and the consumption of salty snacks, increasing the risk of long-term health problems.

"I reached a stage where I was bold enough to debate against church policies on kava, arguing more about its perceived benefits than its negative effects," Rev Regunamada said.

"My desire for prayer and reading the Bible began to decline. I realised my sermons had become dry and that I had little time for my family or for God."

After a period of reflection, Rev Regunamada sought both medical and spiritual support as he worked towards recovery.

"Many people think you can simply tell someone to change and they will change," he said.

"But addiction is a process. Suddenly stopping can create health complications for some people, so support and guidance are important."

He is now planning a support initiative for people seeking help.

"I am starting a small movement to bring together people who have reached out for assistance. We hope to involve doctors and other professionals to provide guidance and support through the recovery process."

Rev Regunamada encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to seek help.

"It is not the end. Don't stop praying and don't stop trying. Change starts with you," he said.

President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma Reverend Semisi Turagavou welcomed the initiative, describing it as evidence of positive change within the church.

"From the beginning, I have encouraged ministers, deaconesses and church leaders to reduce excessive kava consumption because it does not help strengthen spiritual leadership," Rev Turagavou said.

"These testimonies are important because they raise awareness and help guide people back to Christ, which is part of our mission."

Rev Turagavou said church policies remained in place to ensure leaders exercised self-control and abstained from smoking and alcohol.

"If a church leader is alleged to have breached these policies, he or she may be suspended pending an investigation," he said.

"The outcome would then be determined by the appropriate church meetings.

"Those intending to become ministers must demonstrate self-control and live according to God's principles because God desires a heart that is devoted and obedient to His word."