The Come Back Mission Centre embarked on a mission to combat stigma and discrimination against people with substance use issues as part of commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Traffic (World Drug Day).
On June 26 the centre held an event at Mahonie Crescent Park EXT 2, Eldorado Park to raise awareness about the stigma that strains recovering users.
The event provided a safe platform for recovering users to share their journey to recovery and its associated challenges.
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David Loff said he recently got out of rehab and he was finding it difficult to get employment and reintegrate into the community.
Various speakers including member of the Lankal dik vi Drugs used the platform to inspire people who are fighting addiction and give them hope that it’s possible to change their lives.
The Centre Manager, Abraham Chabaesele said lack of access to facilities is informed by stigmatisation because there are many churches in Eldorado Park working towards the same course.
He said the problem is that many people are afraid to come out until it is too late.
“We have many group chats on WhatsApp where we can communicate and share information and we always host campaigns and outreaches in the community so that people can know that there is help nearby,” said Chabaesele.
Comeback Mission is focused on EXT 2, 3, 4, Freedom Park and Naturena while other organisations cater for other sections.
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He said the challenge with referral to inpatient treatment centres is that it requires documentation or there is a process before a client is admitted.
“Now that becomes a challenge because it does not take a day, it can take two or three weeks because we then have to look and wait for space at a specific rehabilitation centre for the person to be referred to.”
He said the second challenge was that outpatient facilities are not really supported.
“Residents did not attend in numbers, most of them are sitting at home but they have children affected by this issue.
“They have children that are giving them problems until it is too late. If we can end the stigma we will all understand that it is not a sin to have been on drugs and trying to change your life,” he noted.
