But Yeoville businessman, Michael Sayer can attest to the saying “nothing is impossible”.
A drug addict for 28 years, Sayer, popularly known as Mike, said it was a miracle that he is alive today with a loving family and a thriving business.
Now clean for four years, Sayer took time to look back and thank the people who helped him get his life back on track.
He thanked Rand Aid’s Wedge Gardens in Modderfontein for the impact it had on his life. The organisation is a substance abuse treatment centre at which Sayer spent three months.
The 44-year-old added that his journey of self discovery prompted him to get clean.
Sayer said one of his regrets was that his mother died before he had a chance to re-establish a loving relationship with her.
“My mom wrote me off – I stole her jewellery and sold it for R33 000, which paid for a two-week drug binge,” he said.
Sayer was arrested and jailed at the age of 23 for armed robbery and murder, committed while on drugs.
His wife, Debbie said although he did drugs away from home, she and their three children were nervous around him when he was home, which was seldom.
The turning point for Sayer was when he was diagnosed with sclerosis of the liver and yellow jaundice. “My doctor said if I did not stop, I would be dead in two years. I made the choice there and then to stop,” he said.
Wedge Gardens’ Adél Grobbelaar said patients need to understand the nature of addiction and must be taught to understand themselves. “Everyone wants to feel good, appreciated and wanted; addicts need to find gratification through self-worth rather than from the quick-fix given by alcohol and drugs,” said Grobbelaar.
Sayer’s advice to addicts is, “Learn to love yourself and others will love you too. Accept your flaws and know that life is what you make of it.”
Details: 011 430 0320 or www.wedgegardens.co.za
-
-
-
-
