Department of Social Development focuses on prevention
Dr Sello Mokoena, from the Department of Social Development, said that they have continued implementing their provincial anti-substance abuse strategy, which is the centrepiece of their plan of action against the war on drugs.
“Prevention is the most important aspect of social service delivery,” he said.
Mokoena added that prevention services are primarily proactive measures that are implemented well before drug or substance abuse takes place.
He said next comes early intervention.
“The services delivered at this level aim at assisting those who have been identified as being at risk before they require statutory intervention, rehabilitation or placement in alternative care.”
Early intervention services focus on preventing serious harm to individuals.
”These services would include heightened awareness programs, inclusion in group therapy sessions, alcohol safety schools and diversion programmes.”
According to him treatment will consist of a continuum of interventions and support programmes that enable individuals who are addicted to make healthier choices about their lives and to encourage them to move towards abstinence.
“Patients take part in individual and group counselling, educational programs, family sessions and more. Integrated care is also provided for co-occurring disorders.”
After care is a central component of the continuum of intervention and support in the total treatment process.
“After care services encourages people who have undergone treatment to follow a lifestyle of abstinence and avoid relapse.”
Services rendered at this level are aimed at reintegration and support to facilitate readjustment to the community as well as the enhancement of self-reliance and optimal social functioning of service recipients.
