Breaking stigmas of addiction
ROODEPOORT – Lyndhurst-based treatment centre hosts an outreach programme at Gustav Preller Primary School in Roodepoort.
Staff members from Wedge Garden Treatment Centre presented a preventative programme to the Grade 7s of Gustav Preller Primary School in Roodepoort on 28 September.
Head of the treatment centre, Adel Grobbelaar said, “The information forms part and parcel of their [schoolchildren] life orientation subject; we touch on various topics but zoom in on addiction.
“The programme we present is educational and deals with what drugs are, the different classifications of drugs and the consequences of abuse. We divide learners into smaller groups to give shy children an opportunity to ask questions.”
While Wedge Garden is known for their treatment and care for individuals suffering from substance abuse, they also make attempts to reach community members to help break the stigmas surrounding addiction.
Social worker at the centre, Karen Griessel said, “Often addicts and alcoholics are ostracised through avoidance and rejection.
“Fighting stigmas must begin on an individual level by practising compassion, kindness, listening and, importantly, seeing the person as a whole and not just an addict or alcoholic. This is not always easy, especially if you have been hurt repeatedly by a loved one.
“When the stigma is lifted, education regarding the process of addiction and recovery will be more openly accepted socially.”
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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