June 26 is Substance Abuse Awareness Day – do YOU need help?
If you are battling an addiction, you need to reach out. Here's how.
The National Department of Social Development, in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), has run the 24 hour substance abuse helpline (0800 12 13 14) for over 10 years.
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It is important to reach people who have issues with drug, alcohol or other addictions, as SADAG needs to provide help, support, information and referrals that can assist addicts, family members and communities to help prevent substance abuse.
For many people who don’t have resources or know how to get help, there are now many options such as the free helpline, SMS service, online counselling, The Ke Moja Substance Abuse Facebook page and The South African Depression and Anxiety Group Facebook page.
In our country people sometimes deal with the effects of substance abuse on a daily basis, often many struggle to cope. Some people living with mental illness or suffering from a previous trauma find themselves turning to substances in a misguided attempt to treat the symptoms of their illness or reduce the side effects of their prescribed medication.
Unfortunately while some may feel a sense of relief at first – using substances interferes with psychiatric medication, which may lead to relapse and hospitalisation. Substance abuse can have an impact on our communities and families. It has many negative effects on the youth themselves.
“Often people who are suffering with a substance abuse problem do not go and get help by themselves,” says clinical psychologist, Zamo Mbele. This is why SADAG has made it easier for you and your loved ones to access help.
If you need help for any dependency or addiction to drugs, alcohol, over the counter medications, or if you have a loved one who’s struggling to cope and needs tips on how to deal with substance abuse, you are encouraged to make use of the How to get Help section below to see how you can access support, help and referrals.
How to get Help
▪ The 24 hour substance abuse helpline (0800 12 13 14) offers free telephonic counselling, referrals and support. The helpline is available 7 days a week, nationwide.
▪ To help encourage people to reach out, an online “CONTACT THE COUNSELLOR” button has been created. By clicking on the button and filling in the short online form with your details, once you click “SUBMIT”, a counsellor will get your details and contact you.
▪ Wanting to speak to a counsellor but you can’t make private calls while at work? Or do you feel uncomfortable speaking to a counsellor over the phone in case your family overhears? Make use of the online counselling option on your computer or cellphone. Click Online Counselling to chat to a counsellor Monday to Sunday 10am till 2pm daily or visit www.sadag.org and click the pop up button.
▪ To learn more about substance abuse resources and tips on a daily basis follow the Ke Moja Substance Abuse Facebook Page.
▪ Unable to call SMS 32312 and a counsellor will call you back.
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