Greenwood Park make strides in fight against Lean drug
"We find there is a direct link between drug usage and Human Trafficking," said Dr Mags Moodley.
THE Greenwood Park Lean Drug Action Group (GPDAG) that started earlier this year has been making strides in their march to end teen drug addiction in their community through awareness campaigns, educational school talks and counselling.
The group has given talks to learners and at local schools to create awareness about the harmful effects of Lean- a drug consisting of codeine containing cough medicines mixed with cool drink. A separate talk for parents was also held on 2 November in Greenwood Park.
“So far we had an excellent response from the parents who attend those meetings,” said Dr Mag Moodley, a member of the group.
GPDAG chairman and counsellor, Lawrence Naidoo, a retired bishop who completed his counselling training at Families South Africa (FAMSA), said there have been several success stories so far.
“A man I counselled in July who was hooked on cocaine is now five months clean. Our plan for the next five months is to parental and community involvement,” he said.
GPLDA has also partnered with the Stop Human Trafficking campaign and Caring Hearts, Helping Hands (CHHH) to further their reach.
“We find there is a direct link between drug usage and Human Trafficking,” said Dr Mags Moodley.
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Melanie Ray of CHHH said they run various community projects in the area.
“We hope to develop talent among youth. With drug use, you see the potential in the children dwindle away- it takes everything out of them,” she said.
Plans for 2020
Moodley said the group plan to expand their reach in the new year by putting up posters and stickers in and around local shopping centres in the area.
“We also hope to take the campaign to churches, temples and mosques to allow religious leaders space at their place of worship to explain the effects of lean drug addiction. The campaign has to be stepped up, because lean addiction is widespread. We know the affect this drug has on children. The added issue here is that combined with the Lean drug, we are seeing a resurgent of the Xanax drug addiction. Xanax is an anti-anxiety tablet which is now being sold in schools. It has an affect on the brain and health of learners,” he said.
GPDAG appeals to the community to help spread their anti drug message.
“Our biggest problem is that of denial. Parents are in denial, certain schools are in denial. We want to ensure this attitude is lifted,” he said.
GPDAG is hoping to partner with more civil work organisations and groups that offer extra mural activities to youth, which can inspire them to take up a healthy alternative to drug use. Members of the community are also urged to report drug use.
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“One of the ways to stop the spread of drug addiction is for people who are aware of it to report it. If you see or hear something, notify your local police station or CPF,” said Moodley.
For counselling call GPLDA on 087 094 7906 For more information about a partnership with GPDA call Moodley on 082 801 7580 Naidoo on 083 235 0651. To report drug use, call the Greenwood Park SAPS 031 571 6512.
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