Support group helps recovering addicts and their families

HEAL Ministries invites addicts, or families suffering from the consequences of addiction, to their support group which is aimed at curbing any form of addiction.

Healing Educating Addicted Lives (HEAL) Ministries is a non-profit organisation that has been in existence for 15 years.

The ministry, which operates from Bridge Church in Randhart, helps to develop a support structure for both recovering addicts and their supporters.

A team of 12 trained facilitators offers support for recovering addicts and guidance to anyone who has a concern about a family member who may be on drugs.

The ministry, whose values are instilled on Christian values, confidently confirmed to having many successes of people who recovered from addiction.

Sean Stanford, leading facilitator, said family members have a role to play in the lives of addicts.

“The family will pick up behavioural changes much quicker than anyone else. Through this ministry, we teach Christian principles taken from the Bible and everyone is welcome to join us,” said Stanford.

Addiction

Abigail Mackenzie, also a facilitator, told the RECORD that they tackle every addiction.

“Just because a person does not use substances does not necessarily mean one is not an addict.

“We have alcohol, television, social media, gambling and shopping addicts. We want to support the community and ask that they come forward to get support,” she said.

She also said that addicts are given tools to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

Members of these support groups are referred to facilities where they are given help for their addiction and they are supported as they gradually change in behaviour.

Members gather at Bridge Church on Mondays at 7pm.

To join the support group or for any queries contact Sean Stanford on 079 871 8080, Abigail Mackenzie on 072 632 7272 or Peter Steyn on 083 296 4690.