Offering all addicts a ‘new beginning’
One of the focus points of Ezra, Pastor Alan explained, was changing those addicted to drugs and alcohol to once again become productive members of society.
Alan Ebel makes no attempt to hide his sordid past.
Instead, this ordained pastor uses his former life as a heroin addict to extend a lifeline to those addicted to alcohol and drugs.
Pastor Alan’s story is the foundation upon which Ezra Recovery Centre is set.
“I was hooked on heroin for 20 years. It was different back then because society didn’t give chances to addicts. The stigma was ‘once an addict, always an addict’.” Jobless, and at times living on the streets of Hillbrow, Pastor Alan found himself at many crossroads but never found a helping hand reaching out to him.
“Many times I wanted to change but no one was there to help. The next morning you forget about it and I don’t want that to happen to others.” Pastor Alan persevered against great odds, however, picking himself up from a life of addiction to earning his degree in Theology from the University of Zululand. Now his mission is to assist others in overcoming the odds.
He and his wife, Amelia, moved to Newcastle a short while ago, Pastor Alan was compelled to establish a rehabilitation centre locally, thus embracing his passion for addicts. Through means of various sponsorships, Ezra Recovery Centre recently opened its doors.
“We are in the process of being registered and the NPO number is on its way.” Beyond in- and out-patient services, Pastor Alan explained Ezra also offered support for family and loved ones of addicts, and making the youth aware of the dangers of substance addiction.
He is also keen to set up halfway houses across KwaZulu-Natal.
One of the focus points of Ezra, Pastor Alan explained, was changing those addicted to drugs and alcohol to once again become productive members of society.
In that way, the meaning of the name ‘Ezra’ would be practised.
“The word is from the Bible and means ‘new beginning’, and this is what I believe in. It is Christian-based but all are welcome. No one is turned away because of their religious beliefs.”
Ezra will be an open centre, where patients can come and go freely, and Pastor Alan also offered his contact details and the promise to be on hand 24-7. From his experience, problems don’t always keep to working hours.
“We do not lock people in – it’s their own choice and patients can leave at any time.”
The recovery process of Ezra will incorporate education on the dangers of addiction, working through matters such as communication, anger, family relations and working with money, and sessions on spiritual values which are at the patients’ discretion.
Psychological issues will be referred to a relevant professional.
“The message is that if you are going through addiction, it is a vicious cycle. No one believes in you.
“This creates the wrong attitude and an addict has to realise they need to earn trust all over again.”
For more information or advice, contact Pastor Alan on 071 534 1016 or 072 300 6985, email alan@ezrarecovery.co.za or visit www.ezrarecoverycentre.co.za
