If you find yourself in environment filled with drugs, move away

According to recovering drug addict Ashon Francis, access to drugs is almost as easy as buying sweets or cigarettes from a street vendor.

“Dependant on where you walk or drive by, it is easily on offer. Dealers, especially in Benoni town, will literally offer as they see you,” he said.

Francis’ advice to young people who may find themselves in an environment where drugs are easily accessible is to move away.

“As extreme as it may sound, it is one thing that really helped me,” he said.

“After a while of being exposed to dealers and spots where you know drugs can be purchased, there is a familiarity that develops. This is the dangerous part.”

Francis says that person needs to alert authorities and change their routes so they don’t pass or see the dealers.

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When asked how Francis made sure he didn’t relapse he recalls what he experienced

“Knowing where drugs have taken me and where it will certainly lead me again, I am honestly afraid and consciously make the decision to live in recovery using all the life skills and tools as well as emotional regulation skills gained at Mighty Wings.”

Francis said he is one of the fortunate ones who regained their sanity.

“I know of people who have not been as fortunate,” he said.

“For this, I thank God and try as much as possible to live out my gratitude to him.”

Another big thing that works for him is accountability, both vertically (God) and horizontally (wife, family, and peers) and avoiding temptations at all costs.

Francis recommends that families and drug addicts seek help from organisations such a the Mighty Wings Life Centre (MWLC).

“There are plenty of rehabs around the country but for me, the programme and content at MWLC is one of the best around, ” he said.

According to Francis, the centre has a family-orientated programme, which is vital as family members are very much affected by the addict.

“It is also a Christ-centred programme. Many have come to know that attempting recovery without God is futile.

“I can say for a fact that I have not done this on my own. Had it not been for the strength, grace and mercy of God I would not be living a life full of peace and abundance.”

Common signs that may indicate that someone is taking drugs are:

• Bloodshot eyes or out of the ordinary awake and alert eyes.

• Mood swings and erratic behaviour.

• Constant tiredness and odd bursts of energy.

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