Addict opens up during Drug Awareness Week

The Advertiser spoke to one of the patients at House of Mercy, *Kay, who shared that he was admitted at the centre for alcohol, weed and crystal meth addiction.

The 36-year-old said he started using drugs after high school where he would smoke drugs while at parties. He said he started getting involved in drugs when he missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime to play for the Golden Lions.

“I remember I had to sign a contract with the team on Friday, but the Wednesday on that same week I had an injury, which shattered my goals. “Everything that was going well in my life ended in a blink of an eye. I started getting depressed. I didn’t want to speak to people and I always wanted to be alone. I started getting addicted to all sorts of drugs just to keep my mind busy. When everything went south in my life I didn’t speak to anyone, I bottled up everything.”

He said although he didn’t have an income, he would spend R250 a day on drugs. He said just to get a fix he would go to extreme lengths such as robbing people.

Kay said he recently started getting tired of his lifestyle. “I recently got back on my feet as I am currently involved with two big companies. I thought let me book into rehab so I can focus on my career.”

His message to drug addicts: “As an addict, you can’t blame anyone but yourself. You must open your mind and see things clearly that you really need help. Be honest with yourself and those around you – don’t be in denial.”
*Kay not his real name.

House of Mercy says peer pressure is a big factor

Alcohol and dagga are seemingly a growing problem for the majority of the young people in the country.
This was revealed by the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, during the inauguration of the Central Drug Authority (CDA) board at Emperors Palace last month.

The CDA is an advisory body in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (Act No. 20 of 1992) and is mandated to assist in the fight against substance abuse in the country.

As part of the Drug Awareness Week from June 22 to 26, the Advertiser spoke to a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, House of Mercy, which shared that most of its patients are males between the ages of 18 and 35.

According to the director of the centre, Monica Mashiane, recently they’ve seen an increase in the admission of other age groups up to the ages of 65 years.

“Most of our patients suffer from drug addiction, such as nyaope, khat, crystal meth and alcohol. We also have patients who are addicted to prescription over-the-counter medications.”

Mashiane said the addiction, especially among young people, emanates from experimentation, which is influenced by peer pressure, television shows that glamorise alcohol and drug use.

“Other influences include family problems, unemployment and the lack of coping skills to deal with societal pressures,” said Mashiane.

The centre provides intensive residential treatment for all chemically dependent persons from the age of 18 and above.

The NPO is assisted by the Department of Social Development, which subsidises 27 beds for people who are unable to pay for treatment.

You can contact House of Mercy on 011 894 4050/2.

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