Inter denomination pastors and other stakeholders came together to pray for drug users in Vosman.

The stakeholders present during the prayer service were: the department of health, Sanca, department of social services Nkangala, Christelik-Maatskaplike Raad (CMR), department of correctional services, SAPS, Local Drug Committee, Nicro and others.

The groups were divided into prayer groups and they went to different hot spots to pray for the drug users and later gathered at the community hall for prayers and motivation.

Ms Nomsa Sikhosana of Sanca explained how drugs can affect a person and the process taken when one is admitted in a rehab centre.

She also said that they hold awareness campaigns in schools and in churches.

She pleaded with community members to work hand in hand with them and encouraged drug uses to kick the habit and that help and support is available at Sanca.

Vosman Police Station communication officer Captain Elizabeth Hlathi in addressing about crime and said as the police they were concerned about high number of car hijacks, drugs, rapes, and other serious crime.

She pleaded with ladies that they must make sure that they are safe all the time.

Mr Bheki Mhlambi from the department of correctional service also pleaded with parent to act as parents, to support and care for their children.

“Lets work together to prevent reoffending. Drugs are a problem in our community. I lost a child through drugs, we need to join hands and fight this battle together,” Mhlambi said.

A department of health official explained the effects of drugs and how drugs as chemicals affect the body and the brain.

She mentioned that drugs have different effects. Some effects of drugs include health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent.

They have can even continue after a person has stopped taking the substance.

It was pointed out that there a few ways a person can take drugs including injection, inhalation, and ingestion.

The injection of drugs directly into the blood stream has an immediate impact, while ingestion has a delayed effect.

But all misused drugs affect the brain.

They cause large amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, motivation and feelings of pleasure, to flood the brain and produce a ‘high’.

Eventually, drugs can change how a brain works and interfere with a person ability to make choices, leading to intense cravings and compulsive drug use. Overtime this behaviour can turn into substance dependency or drug addiction.

A social worker from CMR Ms Only Chuma pointed out that as a welfare organisation in the field of child protection, child care and family they are met with cases of child neglect in their line of duty.

She shared a story of a child who was neglected by her mother as she was a heavy drug user.

The organisation renders a comprehensive social service to all communities in order to empower them socially, emotionally and economically.

The organisation is assisted by volunteers in providing services in the towns and the districts of the province.

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