SANCA – Substance abuse is a family disease

As part of the SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) Drug Awareness Week (June 24 to 30), the Boksburg Advertiser spoke to a social worker at SANCA Horizon Alcohol and Drug Centre in Plantation about the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse.

Zanele Matiwane said substance abuse has a profound and pervasive impact, and she considers it a “family disease”.

This is because of its ripple effect from the individual through the entire family, causing emotional, psychological, mental and physical distress.

“Substance abuse doesn’t only affect the person using drugs.

“Family members are affected psychologically and emotionally because the abuser’s actions create constant worry and stress, often rendering other family members unable to function normally.

“Families often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, including fear, anxiety and helplessness.

“The unpredictable nature of addiction means they are constantly bracing for the worst.

“The chronic worry about a loved one being harmed, arrested or even killed can be debilitating.”

Signs
Matiwane stressed the importance of abusers seeking help voluntarily.

“We always advise individuals to seek help on their own terms, not because someone else is pushing them.

“When you get help voluntarily, it signifies a true desire to change for yourself, which ultimately brings peace to the family, too.

“Voluntary participation in rehabilitation programmes tends to yield better results because it reflects a personal commitment to change.

“While family support is crucial, the decision to seek help must come from within the individual for it to be truly effective.”

A significant part of SANCA’s approach involves educating families about the nature of addiction and how to recognise the early warning signs of a relapse.

“Be aware of behaviours like fidgeting, manipulation and mood swings. These can be early indicators that someone might be on the verge of using substances again.

“Understanding these warning signs allows families to intervene early and seek professional help before a full-blown relapse occurs.

“This proactive approach can make a significant difference in the recovery journey.”

Enablers
A significant challenge in the fight against substance abuse is the role of enablers in the family.

Matiwane pointed out that some family members, albeit unintentionally, enable the addiction by giving the drug user money.

“They might think they are helping by preventing theft or other problematic behaviours, but they are actually prolonging the disease,” she cautioned.

“Family members may provide financial support out of fear or a desire to keep the peace, but this often exacerbates the problem.

“Instead, families should focus on supporting the addict in seeking and maintaining treatment,” she added.

Post-rehab support
Post-rehabilitation is crucial for families to avoid bringing up the past unless the recovering addict initiates the conversation.

“Reminding them of past mistakes can be a trigger. The frontal lobe, responsible for decision-making, is often damaged because of substance abuse, making addicts’ decisions impulsive and poor.

“Let them bring up the past when they are ready to correct it.”

Matiwane stressed that the recovery process is delicate and requires sensitivity from family members. Rehashing past mistakes can hinder progress and potentially lead to a relapse.

SANCA provides a holistic approach to treatment, including screenings to determine whether an individual should be an in-patient or outpatient.

“Inpatient treatment typically lasts 28 days, while outpatient treatment spans nine weeks with weekly sessions.

These programmes encompass anger management, group therapy, relapse prevention, cravings and sensation sessions, individual therapy and family meetings.

Additionally, SANCA offers psychological and psychiatric support. Both families and patients need to get proper help.

“We also have psychologists and psychiatrists who help the patient medically.”

Journey
Matiwane underscored that drug addiction often begins in youth because of peer pressure and misinformation.

“Young people might start using drugs socially, thinking it helps them cope with issues at home, but this only leads to more significant problems and brain damage.

“Early intervention and education about the dangers of substance abuse are critical in preventing the progression from casual use to full-blown addiction.”

“For those struggling with cravings, Matiwane advised staying busy, attending therapy sessions, spending time with loved ones and indulging in something sweet.

“The cravings don’t last long. By keeping yourself occupied, the urge fades. Never isolate yourself. Distraction is key.

“Practical strategies for managing cravings include engaging in physical activities, pursuing hobbies and maintaining a support network of friends and family.”

The overarching message from Matiwane is clear: leave drugs behind, make the right choices and commit fully to recovery.

“With the right support, individuals and their families can overcome the challenges of substance abuse. Remember, help is available, and recovery is possible.”

PULL-OUT :
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call SANCA Horizon on 011 917 5015 or go to www.horizonclinic.info for support and information about all their training and workshops.

Possible signs of substance abuse: Look at a pattern of change, not isolated changes:

• Physical changes, such as bloodshot eyes, headaches and changes in appetite and appearance.
• Behavioural indicators, such as aggressive outbursts and restlessness.
• Emotional changes, such as nervousness, lack of self-confidence and anxiety.
• Social changes like withdrawing from activities, new friends and school/work performance.

SANCA substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes

The Stay Strong programme for high school learners
This programme addresses drug and alcohol use among learners by providing educational awareness on substance abuse prevention and available services and is suitable for high school learners.

It uses the performing arts and focuses on understanding drug information (teen substance abuse; tell-tale signs/long and short-term effects), identifying with the process of addiction, steps to stay Strong and not get involved with drugs in the first place, knowing where to get help (referrals for assessment and treatment). Total time: One hour.

The Strong Enough programme for parents and educators

Preventive education about drug and alcohol abuse is vital in shaping and developing the personality of young adults today because it seeks to inspire promising life goals.

This effective parent/educator skills programme strengthens communication between parents/educators and children and reinforces other parents/educators trying to keep their children drug-free.

It provides skills and mechanisms that incorporate parental/educator involvement in raising drug-free children to reduce drug use and strengthen community anti-drug norms.

Topics covered include challenges, evaluating responsibilities, getting to know your child’s needs, personality types, stages of growth and development, effective communication, positive discipline, role models and educative roles. Total time: Eight sessions, two hours each.

Also Read: SANCA takes drugs awareness to Reiger Park

Also Read: Sanca needs your help to tackle substance abuse in drug-riddled community