We all know that alcohol and drug addiction problems are escalating in Parys, like in other surrounding towns.
Sasolburg Alcohol and Drug Help Centre specialises in treating and preventing substance use disorders. They are affiliated with The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca).
Sanca is the largest NPO dealing with the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug addiction in South Africa.
About 29 Sanca branches operate across South Africa – some are outpatient and other inpatient treatment centres.
More and more inpatient centres are becoming part of Sanca, e.g. the well-known Elim Clinic (Kempton Park) and Stabilus (Pretoria).
Sanca Sasolburg offers an outpatient treatment programme that includes withdrawal management (detoxification), individual and family therapy, support- and aftercare groups.
People who have completed an inpatient treatment programme elsewhere are welcome to attend the aftercare groups of Sanca Sasolburg. According to Magriet Botha, the director of Sanca Sasolburg, the treatment is only about 20 per cent of recovery, while the aftercare makes up the remaining 80 per cent. Many people who suffer from substance use disorders relapse because they are not part of an aftercare programme.
“The community does not realise that addiction is a lifelong, chronic disease that is extremely complicated to manage. It takes some time for a person to learn to deal with his or her addiction. Therefore, they need every little bit of support from the people around them.”
This disease also seriously affects family or loved ones, who should seek help in learning to understand addiction and dealing with it. If someone close to you has an addiction problem and does not want to seek help, first seek help for yourself.
Sanca operates in Parys two days a week. An addiction therapist and professional nurse are available at 21 Farther Balink Street, Tumahole, from 9:00 to midday on Wednesdays and Fridays. They can also assist with applications for inpatient treatment.
Sanca Sasolburg is open from Monday to Friday. The therapist and professional nurse are available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information, contact 016 976 2051 or 076 565 6720 (WhatsApp only) or email sanca.sasolburg@gmail.com.
