Can a government hospital such as Helen Joseph help with drug addiction?
While state rehabilitation facilities are rare, there is some help available to addicts and their families.
Drug addiction is a disease that is fought on several fronts.
MMC for Health and Social Development Ennie Makhafola said drug addiction had many consequences including family disorganisation, school dropouts, loss of employment and social disintegration.
“The City offers walk-in services, free consultations with professional nurses and social workers, as well as referrals to rehabilitations when needed to assist those suffering from addiction,” said Makhafola.
She added to build a productive society, the Department of Health needed to address the use of drugs in communities. “Our society deserves proper, dignified services, especially around the scourge of substance abuse which is ruining lives.”
Lethabo Mashile, the spokesperson for Helen Joseph Hospital explained what government hospitals could and couldn’t do to help those in need of treatment.
“There are different options depending on the individual’s particular needs,” she said.
These were:
Emergency care
1) If someone has overdosed, or is in withdrawal from drugs or alcohol they should be taken to the emergency department as soon as possible.
2) Likewise, if the person becomes psychotic, suicidal, or aggressive due to substance abuse.
3) The patient will be stabilised and decisions on further treatment will be made.
“Patients who develop dangerous psychiatric symptoms due to substance abuse or who have a pre-existing psychiatric condition can be attended to. They may be admitted into the hospital or treated as an outpatient at the hospital or nearby community clinic.”
Treatment for addiction
Treatment for drug addiction falls under the Department of Social Development and is not done at hospitals.
1) Social workers at hospitals or clinics can assist in the process of finding a suitable rehabilitation centre.
2) Successful treatment is only possible if the individual wants to enter treatment and is willing to be helped.
3) Hospitals can assist with safe drug withdrawal or detoxification of individuals who have been accepted into a rehabilitation centre.
Government rehabilitation options
“Free government rehabilitation facilities are rare but non-governmental centres are found throughout the city.”
1) In cases where a court orders a patient to undergo rehabilitation, there is the Fabian and Florence Ribeiro treatment centre east of Pretoria.
2) Some hospitals offer a dual diagnosis ward where patients with psychiatric illness and substance use can be managed in a structured process. Sterkfontein Hospital has such a unit. Some hospitals offer dual diagnosis outpatient clinics such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
3) Some community mental health clinics also offer some of these services for patients with less severe illnesses.
Sanca is a non-governmental organisation that works for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug dependence. Call 011 892 3829 for more information.
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