Fighting drugs with faith

Love and support are considered the most vital ingredients to helping drug addicts kick their life threatening habits at the faith based Waynol Anti Narcotics Care Campus in Doringkop, outside KwaDukuza.

One of the founders, Craig Falconer, said the centre is run by recovered addicts as well as people who have suffered through the addictions of their family members, so they can relate to what their patients are going through. The staff are assisted by psychologists, doctors and pastors.

“We believe that drug addiction is not a disease but it is a choice. That is why our rehab is based on faith,” said Falconer.

He said addicts did not respond to force or to being told how bad drugs are for their health. However many respond well to a shoulder to lean on in a time of finding themselves and finding their own inner strength. Emotional support, love and acceptance as a human being could help them realise the importance of kicking the drug habit.

We met with one of the recovered addicts, Thando Luthuli, who was going home that day. Luthuli had been addicted to alcohol and cocaine and he said selfishness and pride made it hard for people to quit drugs.

“To my brothers and sisters out there, I say put your pride aside and ask for help. They must not be forced to be helped because that is when they will refuse to get help,” said Luthuli.

He said he has realised that life is not only about him but also about the people who love him and care about him.

During our visit Hamzi Idir and Benaid Jalal from Ballito Barber took some time out to give the guys a free hair cut.

“It felt good to help these people and talking to them gives you different picture of the guys who we see on our streets every day. I would not mind giving them hair cuts again,” said Jalal.

At the centre no-one is treated like a patient, instead they are a family with one goal and that is putting a stop to drugs and living a clean life.

For more information you can contact Falconer on 076 178 5724.