Local provides free counselling for addicts during lock down
Project Exodus recently launched a 21-day Facebook challenge in which readers were encouraged to set short-term goals during lockdown to achieve and maintain focus, motivation and productivity.
A Centurion resident who struggled with addiction over 20 years is reaching out to those suffering from addiction during the lockdown period.
Steven Smit, who is a recovering addict, is reaching out to the community to support addicts through online platforms.
Smit has been clean for seven years now, he told Rekord.
“I was addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn and women,” he said.
“I walked a difficult road. That is why I believe in what we have to offer so much.
“If I had these tools when I was struggling, I would have been clean long ago.”
Smit heads up the Urban Recovery team of passionate recovering addicts and supporters using the internationally recognised Project Exodus programme.
“We are ready to assist those who are struggling with addiction as well as their loved ones.”
Project Exodus recently launched a 21-day Facebook challenge (www.facebook.com/projectexodusrecovery) in which readers were encouraged to set short-term goals during lockdown to achieve and maintain focus, motivation and productivity.
Smit said there was currently a lot of people struggling with addiction especially in porn and alcoholic additions during the current lockdown where alcohol is banned and people are stuck at home.
He said a porn addiction was not uncommon and affected both men and women equally.
Smit explained the increase in porn addiction could be also because people were bored at home and had more free time and access to the Internet.
“We currently offer free counselling where we educate people and join them on the road to recovery.”
The counselling sessions are being hosted online on Zoom to make it easily accessible during the lockdown.
Smit further said the programme teaches about self-esteem, communication and how to be a well-adjusted citizen in society.
Urban Recovery also offers other services such as intense recovery counselling and out of patient programmes.
Smit further said the main objective of the programme is to give the person hope and courage and let them know they are not alone.
“It is important to talk about it. You don’t have to feel alone. Pick up the phone and send a message, anything. Just don’t try and fight this battle alone,” Smit said.
“Recovery is about moving forward, no matter where you are at the moment.”
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