WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Zain Fatagodien’s addiction was a secret. At the age of 29, he had completed his studies and was successfully employed as a creditor.
For six years he was hooked on methamphetamine (tik), heroin and marijuana. “Nobody knew about my addiction,” he said. “My parents were in denial, they never expected this from me.”
His addiction began after he used tik at a party with a relative. “It started out as fun, he asked me whether I wanted to try it and I said yes.” Soon, he started using drugs every weekend and on some weekdays.
“I used it during weekends so that nobody would suspect anything.” Within his first year of using drugs, he realised that he had a problem, but struggled to end his addiction on his own.
“I wanted to stop. I had lost my family’s respect and trust. I was locked up once and that helped me to realise that it needed to end.”
He reached out to the South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA) and Drug Dependence as well as the Ark City of Refuge who’ve helped him to get his life back on track. Today Zain has dreams of starting his own paving business and wants to help others end their addiction.
Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking remains a serious problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The 2014 United Nations World and Drug report revealed that between 162 million and 324 million people use drugs that are made and sold illegally (illicit drugs).
Using illicit drugs can have many negative effects; here’s what it can do to you:
* You’re at risk of an overdose and even death because you don’t know what was used to manufacture the drug.
* Illicit drugs are mixed with harmful substances such as ammonia and rattex that can have harmful effects on your health.
* Sharing needles and other objects puts you at risk of contracting diseases such as HIV/Aids.
* Using illicit drugs promotes illicit production and trafficking of drugs.
* Small and large doses can lead to a drug addiction.
Recovering from drug addiction can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. While Zain may have used illegal drugs, not all addictive drugs are illegal. According to the United Nations Get the Facts about Drugs guide, some substances that are addictive include caffeine (found in coffee or Coca-Cola), nicotine (in cigarettes) and alcohol.
Medicines, such as painkillers are legal drugs that can also be abused.
Struggling with addiction? Consider speaking to loved ones and reaching out to our facilities that offer rehabilitative services or dial SANCA 's toll free line at 086 147 2622.
The provincial Department of Social Development has also introduced new programmes for children and adolescents engaging in the harmful use of drugs and alcohol, in response to the growing number of younger people engaging in risky behaviour.
School-based outpatient treatment programmes have been introduced at four pilot sites in Steenberg, Blue Downs, and Eerste River. Residential treatment programmes have been established at Horizon, Clanwilliam and Lindelani Child and youth care centres. Remember that the first step to beating addiction is deciding that you want to change.
Identify the most common drugs:
Cocaine
White chrystal powder, chips, chunks or rocks.
Signs of abuse: nervous behaviour, restlessness, bloody noses, and high energy.
Methamphetamine
White or slightly yellow crystal-like powder, large rock-like chunks.
Signs of abuse: nervousness, physical activity, scabs or open sores decreased appetite, and inability to sleep.
Marijuana
A green or grey mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.
Signs of abuse: red, blood shot eyes, poor memory rapid heartbeat loss of control hunger, and anxiety.
Khat/sugars
Leafy, flowery, green shrub.
Signs of abuse: lack of appetite, high energy aggression, psychotic behaviourisms, and irritability.
Heroin
White or dark brown powder or tar like substance.
Signs of abuse: teeth clenching, chills, sweating, dehydration, anxiety, and unusual displays of affection.
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