An expert in the addiction field for over a decade has stated, during a DA visit to the Life Recovery Centre in Randfontein, that Randfontein, and the rest of South Africa, has a major drug problem, especially with Nyaope.
On Thursday, 6 July, Justus de Goede, a Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA Gauteng spokesperson for Social Development conducted an oversight visit at the centre, which opened its doors a little over a year ago. The purpose of the visit was to assess the services offered by the centre with regard to providing treatment and assistance to those affected by substance abuse.
Read more: DA to visit Life Recovery Centre
The Life Recovery Centre officially opened its doors on 26 June 2016 on the premises formerly occupied by the Life Esidimeni centre.
According to Johan Lombaard, the Life Recovery Centre manager, who has worked in the addiction field for about 18 years, they have treated just over 2 000 people since opening. He said they were running at full capacity, 24/7, and currently are treating 200 patients with addictions. He mentioned that all staff are extremely dedicated and passionate.
Without revealing too much confidential information, Lombaard described the sad reality of addiction to De Goede, his team and the media.
He started off by saying the Life Recovery Centre is “a centre for the community, by the community” and that some of the people who walk into the facility are outcasts, have nobody to turn to and often have criminal records.
According to him, most of the people with addiction problems are in their early 20s and 30s, although the centre’s oldest patient is 63.
“Our job is to love them and teach them how to love themselves. When we treat addicts, we don’t just treat the individual. Our aim is for that person to be treated and then have the will to want to reach out and help others. Some addicts will never recover and are on a continuous and long journey,” Lombaard said.
Most of the patients at the Life Recovery Centre are addicted to either CAT, crystal meth, dagga, heroin or codeine-like tablets, such as sleeping pills that are known as heroin light.
Lombaard also explained that an addiction is more than just dependence on the physical drug. There are behavioural addictions, such as sex, pornography, gambling and use of social media.
He would like to see more rehabilitation centres nationwide and urges anyone with an addiction problem to get help because an addiction is nothing to be ashamed of.
“Government can’t solve this social issue on its,” he said. “The community can make a huge difference.”
If you need help, contact your nearest social development centre.
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