Benoni gets new rehab centre

Substance abuse among young teenagers is on the increase, but with the support of various community-driven organisations, the city is now home to the Youth Revival Sanctuary.

On October 21, the Avenues Residents Association (ARA), ER24, the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), Super Cops, Life The Glynnwood Hospital, Fresh FM and other local businesses flanked Pretoria Road, Rynfield, to show their support for the newly opened rehabilitation centre.

With 25 years of experience working at SANCA Horizon Clinic, Suzette Dippenaar recently opened the doors to the in-patient facility geared at assisting youths aged between 13 and 17 in overcoming addiction.
“It is staggering to see how many teens are grappling with substance abuse, with reliance being on cannabis, alcohol, nyaope, prescription medication and cough syrup containing codeine,” said Dippenaar.

“Various contributing factors such as peer pressure, unattainable social standards seen on social media, home and family life and underlying mental health disorders are often the reasons teens dive into the world of substance abuse.

“It is often an escape mechanism which could have a long-lasting effect on the well-being of our children.”

The treatment programme, The Strong, forms the roadmap of a three-week treatment period that will teach clients all they need to know about addiction and how to overcome it.
“Our multidisciplinary team of medical, therapy and nursing professionals are involved in every aspect of the holistic treatment approach,” she said.

“The composition of the team is tailored to the needs of each health care user’s specific needs.”

Of ARA’s involvement, chairperson Marinda Beukes said the organisation has seen the harrowing effects substance abuse has not only on the user but the community as a whole.
“Drugs have become readily available, and clever marketing and packaging gimmicks are making it increasingly more attractive to teens,” said Beukes.

“ARA has thrown its full support behind Suzette and her team and hopes that by staging an awareness and wellness campaign, parents and adolescents will realise there is help.
“The journey from substance abuse is difficult, but with the support of a dedicated programme and an entire community, the road may be a little less rocky.”

For more information about the Youth Revival Sanctuary, call Dippenaar on 060 995 3197 or 010 448 6932.

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