Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background, says Tower of Life men’s shelter manager Janet Jordaan, who has spent the past eight years supporting men experiencing homelessness and substance abuse.

Working at the Krugersdorp CBD shelter, Jordaan said there is no simple answer to why people become addicted to drugs. She explained that addiction affects people from all walks of life, from successful businesspeople to family-oriented individuals.

“Addiction often has its roots in childhood or emotional pain. People may only start using substances later in life to numb feelings that have developed over the years. That is why anyone can become addicted,” she said.

Jordaan said people who want to recover from addiction can seek help at private or government rehabilitation centres.

“When addicts decide to stop using, they have to face reality without the numbness that substances provide. Relapses do happen, but that does not mean an addict has given up. That is why it is so important to seek help and have a strong support structure,” she said.

“Being an addict is not an easy battle, especially when you are constantly surrounded by other users,” she added.

Jordaan said overcoming addiction is only the beginning of recovery and that rebuilding one’s identity is an important part of the process.

“When quitting, you need to build a completely new character. Once the addiction is gone, it can be difficult to know what to do next because you have to figure out who you want to become. You need to replace the addicted version of yourself with the person you want to be,” she said.

She added that many people who arrive at the shelter already recognise they have a problem. By then, obtaining drugs has often become their main priority, leading them to make significant sacrifices to support their addiction.

For those wanting to leave substance abuse behind, Jordaan said the first step is deciding to change.

“Addiction is very isolating, and recovery requires a proper support structure. Addicts are encouraged to share where their pain comes from. Many have been victims of difficult circumstances and need to work through those issues, which can be very hard,” she said.

“You need to change your lifestyle, your routine and your obsessions. Addiction becomes a whole culture that you have to escape. It is not easy, but it is possible,” she concluded.

If you need help with addiction, or know of someone who does, visit the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence website for more information.