Waging war against substance abuse in Joburg
JOHANNESBURG – Non-profit company wants to help rehabilitate drug users in the community.
Drugs and Alcohol Wars SA will be launched in December to reach out to families who have become affected by substance abuse.
The registered non-profit company will offer a safe space for those who find themselves affected directly or indirectly with addiction and do not have financial resources to seek help.
Maria Philippou, Damian Maguire, Carmen Gerhardt and Brett Fortune will bring their different knowledge and experience together for the benefit of the community.
“In South Africa, there are rehabilitation centres but they are male dominated. There are none for women, shelters yes but no rehab centres. The needs of men and women are different especially if they are mothers.
“They tend to worry about their children and find it difficult to focus on their rehabilitation. Women may not only be addicts but may have suffered sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse as well,” said Gerhardt.
To ensure that the rehab launches smoothly, the company is asking local businesses to assist financially to ensure a solid foundation in the community and continued existence to be able to help those in need.
Philippou said, “Alcohol and drug problems affect the community just as much as HIV/Aids and also does not discriminate based on race, gender or background.
“We want to convey a proactive stance, one of action instead of just talking. What is most difficult is when children start getting impacted as well. The age of drug use is getting younger and younger too.”
The company will provide programmes which will start at the treatment phase which is will pull them out of the cycle and away from temptation. What will follow will then be the aftercare and reintegration phase which is a long-term treatment geared towards changing a lifestyle change and detoxing from drugs.
The launch will take place at the Barnyard Theatre in Crest Mall on 9 December.
The event will start at 7pm.
Details: For tickets and more information, contact Maria on 082 335 5444 or Justin Jansen on 072 514 4102.
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