There are countless effects of drug addiction on the family. Strained relationships, financial difficulties, and increased risk of abuse are only the start. Since each family has a different dynamic, not all families feel the same effects to the same extent. Regardless, it is impossible to deny that addiction affects the entire family.

Addiction strains relationships, no matter which family member has the problem. It doesn’t matter if it is a parent, child, spouse, or sibling. Therefore, a person with a substance use disorder and their family members must learn as much as possible about addiction and treatment as is the case with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. SANCA Sasolburg can assist a person suffering from a substance use disorder, whether it is drugs or alcohol, via their outpatient treatment programme. Although it cannot be cured, it is treatable.

The treatment programme of two months entails assessment, medical assistance during the withdrawal phase and counselling by a registered addiction therapist.

Help isn’t only available for people who live in acute addiction; it’s also available for their families. If you feel the effects of your loved one’s substance use, seeking help for yourself is a great way to begin your journey to healing. People in recovery are doing better with support from their family or a close friend.

SANCA can help you learn to cope and support a family member struggling with addiction in a healthy way.
People in recovery will be at risk for a relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. It takes many months or years to learn to maintain sobriety.

* Relapse is the return to using drugs or alcohol after an attempt to stop and a period of abstinence.
* Relapse is common in addiction recovery and a natural part of the complicated process of change.
* Relapse is not the end of the world and SANCA can assist the person to amend his or her recovery plan to best maintain abstinence.

The community should develop a better understanding of addiction and recovery.

Stigmatising treatment and having a substance use disorder can have a serious negative impact on recovery.

The good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Invite SANCA to your school or organisation for educational talks.

SANCA Sasolburg offers treatment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Tokoloho Foundation, 7962 Zwane Street, Tumahole (Parys) from 9:00-15:00. You can phone them on 016 976 2051 or 066 123 5740, or email to info@sasolsanca.co.za.