Coping and dealing with substance abuse
Today (June 26) is Substance Abuse Awareness Day.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) stressed that many people are struggling with substance abuse without it being noticed and therefore it is important to reach people who have issues with drug, alcohol or other addictions.
Sadag continues to provide help, support and information that can assist addicts, family members and communities to help combat substance abuse.
The National Department of Social Development, in partnership with Sadag, has been running the 24 hours substance abuse helpline – 0800 12 13 14 – for over 10 years.
“In our country, people sometimes deal with the effects of substance abuse on a daily basis, and often many struggle to cope,” said clinical psychologist, Zamo Mbele.
“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 from substance abuse do not go and get help by themselves.”
According to Zane Wilson, founder of Sadag, for those who need help for any dependency or addiction to drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter addictions, or for those who have a loved one who’s struggling to cope and needs tips on how to deal with substance abuse, may visit the Sadag website and refer to the ‘How to get help’ section.
Wilson said the helpline offers free telephonic counselling, referrals and support. It is available seven days a week nationwide.
“To help encourage people to reach out, we have created an online ‘Contact the Counsellor’ button on the website. 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 to help further.
“There is also the option of making use of the online counselling via your computer or cellphone. Just click on ‘Online Counselling’.
* In light of Substance Abuse Awareness Day, Sadag will be hosting a free #FacebookFriday online Q&A on June 29.
Dr Prudence Molete, alongside psychologist Debbie Howes, will be answering questions on substance abuse.
The live chat will be hosted on the Sadag Facebook page.
To learn more about substance abuse resources and tips on a daily basis, follow the Ke Moja Substance Abuse Facebook page.
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