Recovering addict wants to help others

Rynsoord resident Ashon Francis (26) is a recovering drug addict who dedicates time twice a week to help other recovering drug addicts in Benoni.

Ashon Francis is a recovering addict who is now trying to help people who are addicted to drugs.

BCT: What made you turn to drugs?

AF: I was exposed to them at a very young age and that exposure glorified intoxication to me, creating a curiosity for the world of drugs.

BCT: What kinds of drugs did you take?

AF: I started with marijuana and alcohol in 2003, which led me to experiment with everything else.

I became hooked on crack and Cat.

I was in full-blown addiction by 2009 at the age of 19.

BCT: Why did you admit yourself to a rehabilitation centre?

AF: I signed up in 2012 and I am currently still attending the Mighty Wings Life Centre (Benoni branch).

Due to my abuse of drugs, I was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis as well as depression and didn’t want to attend.

But I was forced to attend together with my mother, Adele Pillay, sister Shaunelle Haripersad and my girlfriend at the time, Shanice Sheoraj.

BCT: You now work at Mighty Wings Life Centre. What do you do?

AF: I am a volunteer and assist with the running of the Benoni branch every Thursday and Sunday.

I have been clean from drugs for four-and-a-half years now.

I received a real life-changing gift from working the programme, and – more than this – I believe this is God’s ministry where He is saving and changing lives.

I am a support group facilitator on Thursdays and a Growing As a Person (GAP) facilitator on Sundays.

BCT: What is your profession?

AF: I have my own business where I sell vegan and vegetarian food.

I will dedicate a lot more time and energy into my passion and create awareness of a cruelty-free lifestyle.

I supply vegan goodness to customers all over South Africa; we attend markets and sell vegan food – on the odd occasion we cater for functions by providing vegan platters.

BCT: Can you tell us about your personal life?

AF: I attended Willowmoore High School, where I met the girl of my dreams in 2006, Shanice Sheoraj, who I am now engaged to and set to marry on March 25.

BCT: What are your future plans?

AF: To grow my vegan business and create more social media awareness of a cruelty-free lifestyle.

I would also still like to be involved in recovery work by being a part of drug awareness campaigns, especially within the schools and community.