Recovering addicts lean on each other to stay clean
Magubane said that the most challenging addicts to deal with are nyaope addicts.
Kwa-Thema – Six years ago when Themba Magubane was ready to kick his 12-year drug addiction he was turned away by rehabilitation centres due to overcrowding.
The 38-year-old had to join a long waiting list of thousands of other addicts.
Instead of waiting indefinitely, he decided to continue fighting his addiction by isolating himself for a period of over five months.
He did not want to be in contact with drugs and former friends. Today the founding member of Masakhane Support Centre has opened his home to other recovering addicts in Gauteng.
Magubane said he understands the pain of being turned away when you have made up your mind to quit drugs.
“They too grew tired, they applied for rehab but failed, they then approached me pleading for help as my story of recovery is of public knowledge.
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“Before I absorb them I reach out to the parents and guardians to sign indemnity forms. I take the addicts to a doctor to test to determine which drugs they were taking and their overall health, ” he said.
The recovering addicts spend no less than 45 days in the programme. Magubane added that the most challenging addicts to deal with are nyaope addicts.
“They have painful withdrawals, and hallucinations and take longer to recover,” he said.
The programmme has assisted 30 recovering addicts since its inception last year.
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The youngest addict who has gone through the programme is a 14-year-old. The teenager said he lost his speech and had to be taught basic words and to live in the company of others.
“The next step is to go back to school as I dropped out in Grade Seven,” he added.
Magubane also depends on the services of a local doctor and a social worker.
“One of our biggest challenges is having enough food, clothes, blankets and toiletries. When they come here, most of these guys have nothing, but I can’t turn them away,” said Magubane.
He is appealing to the community and businesses for any donations of any kind. Magubane may be contacted on 060 878 4726.
