SANCA aims to combat the growing drug epidemic in Newcastle
The Newcastle branch of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) aims to combat Amajuba district's growing drug epidemic.
According to SAPS statistics, in the Amajuba district, the festive season saw an uptick in violent crimes such as housebreaking, robbery, murder, assault and sexual assaults. Substance abuse is associated with both violent and income-generating crimes by young people.
To get an insight into this societal issue, the Newcastle Advertiser spoke with a recovering addict and a South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA) representative who shared their candid thoughts.
Nkululeko recalled that he was in grade 8 when he started smoking cigarettes with schoolmates. This later led to hard drown, eventually dabbling in cocaine, mandrax and rock. His life, along with his studies began spiralling downhill which is where his savings grace came, by way of a recovering addict who invited him to NA meetings and introduced him to SANCA.
Nkululeko has been able to rebuild his life and in giving back, worked at SANCA as a recovery group facilitator.
Princess Dibuseng Hoffman, head of service at SANCA Newcastle said “Drugs and alcohol have become a way of life in Newcastle where it has become fashionable for even young children to partake in substance abuse.”
According to Hoffman, the organizations has assisted thousands of locals through awareness campaigns, one-on-one counselling, and rehabilitation programmes.
She wants the community to know that the organization’s doors are open to anyone who needs assistance
Reach SANCA at 57 Paterson Street, next to Child-Welfare, Monday to Friday from 8h00- 16h00
The E-mail address is sancankzn.hos@gmail.com
Contact number – 034 295 0794
For the full story, pick up the next issue of the Newcastle Advertiser.
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