Former addict from Bronkhorstspruit warns young people to abstain from drugs
A BackaBuddy account was opened to help Nick Jansen get a laptop to work from home after several brain operations.
Run away! This is Nick Jansen’s advice to anyone tempted to try drugs.
“And I mean any form of drugs – do not even consider it for a second,” pleads the 46-year-old former addict from Bronkhorstspruit.
“That choice in my teens is my biggest regret in life,” confesses Jansen.
“Just look at me. Drugs destroyed my life, my health, my body, and my relationships with the people who loved me most. It feels as if I killed my family,” he says, reflecting on his years of addiction.
Jansen claims he was spoiled as a child, growing up in Brits and later in Pretoria.
“I went to many parties and made music at rave clubs, where I had my first encounter with drugs at the age of 18. I was hooked and tried all types of drugs,” he recalls.
Jansen also admits to doing almost anything to get his next fix, including selling items that belonged to his family members. Repeated promises to change and stints in rehab were futile, as the cravings always got the better of him.
Even worse, the love of his life became a drug mule and ended up in a Brazilian jail. Now, Jansen believes God has given him several ‘new’ chances at life.
“The first of these was in 2021, when I collapsed in a fast-food restaurant. I was rushed to Steve Biko Hospital, where I remained in a coma for almost three months.
“I was spared the intensity of withdrawal during those months. I also believe God appeared to me during that time. He told me my name would be removed from the Book of Life if I continued on my path of self-destruction,” Jansen told Streeknews in an open-hearted interview last week.
Because of years of drug abuse, Jansen now suffers from chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) – a condition where blood collects between the brain and its outer covering, the dura mater.
Slow bleeding characterises this condition and can lead to increased pressure on the brain, causing a range of neurological symptoms. In Jansen’s case, these include epilepsy and aggressive outbursts.
“I have to go back to the hospital every six months to have the blood drained,” he explains, pointing to the most recent scars on his head after a drainage procedure on July 24.
The cSDH is compounded by hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles, increasing pressure and causing headaches, vision problems, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties.
“This is why my head is abnormally enlarged. Doctors implanted a shunt on the right side of my head to help drain the fluid buildup.”
Jansen says he will find out this week whether he needs a second shunt on the opposite side. His bright blue eyes well up with tears as he reflects on the damage.
“I messed up. But I now have to work with what I have left,” he says.
He is also haunted by the strain he has placed on his beloved mother, emotionally and financially.
“I cannot do this to her anymore. I need to earn my keep.”
Although he is a certified IT specialist, Jansen is realistic about the challenges ahead.
“I know I will not easily get employment with my history of substance abuse and my health issues.”
He has started a BackaBuddy account at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/brain-train-trauma to raise money for a laptop. “I have a chance to give English lessons online to Chinese children, but I need a new laptop and a stable internet connection.”
People who want to support Jansen’s efforts, reach out for advice, or invite him to speak at schools or other events can contact him on 071 998 5245.
