New support group launched for women facing substance use challenges
SADAG-backed initiative offers safe space for recovery and healing.
Over the past year, 53% of substance use-related calls to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Substance Abuse Helpline have come from women.
This highlights a growing need for support that speaks directly to women’s lived experiences, with many dealing with substance use alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, and other daily pressures.
A new Support Group for Women Navigating Substance Use and Recovery will launch on Thursday, 7 May at 7pm. The group will continue to meet on the first and third Thursday of every month. It will be hosted online on Jitsi, a simple, low-data platform that is easy to access and does not require registration or fees.
Growing need for gender-specific support
For many women, substance use is closely linked to mental health challenges. It can begin as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations, and over time it may start to affect their daily lives.
“I started this support group because women who use substances are often judged and excluded. Many fear losing their jobs, their children, or their homes, so they avoid seeking help. At the same time, they face high levels of violence, abuse, and trauma, with substance use often becoming a way to cope,” says support group leader Yolande.
Recovery can be particularly challenging when women are also dealing with stigma, fear, and everyday responsibilities.
According to the SADAG Substance Abuse Coordinator, Tebogo Ramadiro, mental health support plays a key role in the recovery process.
“When mental health is not addressed, substance use often continues as a way to cope with distress. Supporting women with skills like emotional regulation and healthier coping strategies can reduce the risk of relapse and help them manage challenges in a more helpful way,” Ramadiro explains.
A space for shared experience and healing
Women who are already part of support groups say the experience makes a meaningful difference in their recovery journeys.
“When you are dealing with substance abuse as well as anxiety or depression, it can feel very lonely. I always look forward to my support group meetings because I have people I can talk to. In every meeting, someone has shared advice or their own story, and that has helped me cope. This is not just another group to me, it is a place of hope,” says Lisa.
The group recognises that recovery looks different for each woman and aims to provide a consistent and safe space to return to, regardless of where someone is in their journey.
For more information on how to join the group, contact Yolande on 073 867 4360.
To explore other SADAG support groups, visit www.sadag.org.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance use, contact the WhatsApp chat line on 087 163 2025 (08:00 to 17:00) or call the SADAG Helpline on 0800 12 13 14, where a counsellor will call you back.
