Mountain hiking against drug and substance abuse

Mamelodi organisations known for helping drug- and ex-drug users took addicts on a hike to give them hope and a sense of victory in their journey through life.

Thandanani Drop Inn centre encouraged the users during the trip up Magaliesburg Mountain on Friday not to give up.

Kate Kekana of the centre said the hike is part of the anti-drug and substance abuse programme started by Narcotics Anonymous at the centre 13 years ago to help drug addicts and the homeless.

She said the programme keeps drug addicts busy with fun activities on Fridays.

“Our drug and substance abuse programme allows walk-in users active in counselling and offers nutritional support, one-on-one sessions as well as referrals to rehabilitation centres from Monday to Friday,” said Kekana.

She said Fridays are dedicated to sport and fun to keep users away from drugs and the streets.

“The idea of taking recovering addicts and users to the mountain is to shore up their struggle to quit drugs and show them that helping each other up the mountain gives them a sense of victory,” she said.

She said beating addiction was not easy and the fact that participants were able to reach the top made them winners.

“We sat down at the top of the mountain to reflect on the journey up and after arriving back down on how they felt about themselves.

The hike reminded everyone that anything is possible in life as long as you set your mind to it and work as a team,” she said.

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She said those who struggled on the way up the mountain were helped

“We are looking at having more activities where drug users are kept busy and away from the places where they do drugs,” she said.

“We will stop at nothing to make sure that we have a drug-free community. We started this programme because we want to save our brothers and sisters.”

Kekana said they did not judge people and their doors were always open.

“The programme does not only help addicts but also the community as a whole because they are also affected by what their loved ones are going through,” she said.

“We are proud of the guys for taking the step to change their lives today.”

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