Durban drug withdrawal treatment gives homeless hope

THE Durban Covid-19 Withdrawal Management Programme was formed to assist homeless people struggling with drug withdrawal during lockdown.

Supported by various NGOs and run by a private psychiatrist, DUT professor and public health specialist from Advance Access & Delivery (AAD), the programme has seen the number of people attempting to leave shelters drop to zero – lowering the risk of the deadly coronavirus being spread on the streets.

While majority of the 260 people in the Moses Mabhida shelter are recovering from an addiction to Whoonga, a form of heroin, 80 have chosen to take part in the programme that offers methadone to those in recovery.

Michael Wilson of AAD, said those not using methadone, were offered symptom packs to manage their withdrawal symptoms.

“We are guided by the protocols set out by the Whoonga. This programme is being run clinically by the highest standard of care. We’ve been intentional about forming a comprehensive team to address as many needs as we can. Beyond the methadone programme, the lockdown has provided an opportunity for the homeless to access healthcare. So many people have been re-initiated on TB medication, ARV’s and chronic medication for diabetes and hypertension,” he added.

Sduduzo Mabizela, who is staying at the Moses Mabhida shelter said access to methadone has given him a new lease on life – he hopes to pursue a career in marketing management after lockdown.

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“I’m looking forward to seeing the world again – I can’t wait. My life has changed drastically. I really wanted a chance to stop using Whoonga. I wanted to find a sponsor to pay for methadone because it’s really expensive. With the withdrawals we had sleepless nights, now, with methadone, I am able to think and feel like myself again. It’s been a month and I am starting to read the Bible and care about my life again. Things that didn’t matter to me are now starting to matter,” he said.

The programme presents a platform for people, like Mabizela to normalise their lives, said Professor of Sociology from DUT, Monique Marks.

“The aim of long term opiate substitution therapy, which extends beyond the detox and withdrawal period, is to allow people to normalise their lives – that means reconnecting with family, taking care of personal hygiene, studying if you were studying before and being a parent if you were a parent,” she added.

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Specialist Psychiatrist, Dr Shaquir Saldaker said Methadone replaces a toxic opiate receptor drug such as Whoonga and replaces it with a benign receptor drug.

“Whoonga is an opiate, its a chemical that gets into the body and attaches to receptors in the brain, called opiate receptors. It stimulates the sense of well-being through the chemical, dopamine. The problem with Whoonga is that its very short lived and quite potent. It get into the brain, attaches to the receptors and causes a whole lot of damage while doing so. Methadone does the same thing, but it’s gentle- it attaches for longer to the same receptors and doesn’t push the dopamine up as high and leaves in a gentle way so the receptors don’t get damaged,” he said.

Methadone helps to keep the brain functioning and prevent physical withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating and seizures.

The treatment is coupled with psyco-social counselling, group programmes and therapy. TB HIV Care and Anti Drug Forum are among the NGOs supporting the programme.

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