Witnessing someone you care about battling substance abuse can be heartbreaking. Whether the drug abusers are close friends, spouses, parents, children, or other family members, their addiction affect the entire family.
While many might turn their backs on the addicts, locals Sylvester Sauls and Calan Davids are turning towards them. Coming from similar circumstances, they decided to change the course for future generations by establishing the Rhema Freedom in Christ Support Group.
“We realised that since substance abuse doesn’t only affect the addict, but their family as well, so many families need something like this support group. We wanted to give both the addict and their family somewhere to run to,” Sylvester explained.
Even though the support group was only established four months ago, it is already considered a safe space for at least 40 people who are either active addicts, recovering addicts, supporters or family members.
“It might sound strange, but we love the addict. We found that the drug or substance itself is not the issue, but rather the trauma, resentment and/ or depression that led to it. We want healing to take place instead of recovery. We want the addict to forgive himself or herself. We believe that God is with us and is helping us achieve this,” Sylvester said.
As a support group they operate on three beliefs – ‘You are not alone’; ‘We will not bow down (to drugs); and ‘We are stronger together’. According to Calan they currently host weekly support group meetings which anyone can attend.
They currently send four to five addicts to rehabilitation centres per week.
“We have seen how people can change through something like this. No matter what, we want to be there for the addict, the recovering addict, those who have relapsed, and their families. This is what we live for – to see addicts reunite with their families and restore what the substance took away from them,” Calan said.
“Even when they get out of rehab they still have the support group to turn to. What’s amazing is that some even find and regain their purpose in life. We also want to be there for those who want to change but don’t have the means to do so. Everyone deserves a second chance in life. We trust that God will provide.”
After hosting their first successful anti-drug campaign in December, they hope to host campaigns in various communities regularly to create as much awareness as possible.
If you or a loved one would like to attend a support group meeting, you are more than welcome to come to 7 Albertina Sisulu Road in Maraisburg on a Tuesday from 19:00. You can also contact Sylvester on 068 257 8919 for more information.
