Edenvale SAPS held a back to school awareness campaign at Dowerglen High School to encourage learners to stay away from drugs and bullying.
The event was held on January 18.
Astrid Katlego Melwa from Mind Muscle Dynamics partnered with Edenvale Youth Desk to help in the fight against drug abuse.
Melwa said substance abuse is not the real problem but a symptom.
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“One must realise that the behaviour of abusing drugs is a symptom. People try to escape from something and end up using drugs.
“You need to seek and understand what makes you want to use drugs. Understand what you are feeling. Don’t try to run from whatever is troubling you and don’t try to rush to feel okay by using drugs.
“Deal with the issue and find positive ways to deal with it,” he said.
Melwa encouraged the learners to direct their energy into something positive instead of turning to drugs.
“Find something positive do, such as writing, poetry, music or sport. Be aware of your feelings.
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“Take five minutes of silence if you cannot express your emotions using words. Seek other alternatives rather than using drugs,” said Melwa.
Rhoda Hill from the Women’s Network, She’s Free She’s Beautiful, gave the learners some motivation to kick start the year and urged them to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs.
“You are good enough, you are beautiful as you are, don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Listen to your teachers and parents and strive to become the best that you can be,” she said.
