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A desperate looking man holds a placard saying ‘No Drugs’.
Hundreds of substance abusers in Gauteng have arrived at a rehabilitation centre in Heidelberg to undergo a life changing experience, free of drugs and other illicit substances.
The cohort forms part of the Gauteng government’s massive admission for people with substance use disorder who cannot afford private treatment.
Many young people from under privileged communities in Gauteng and other parts of the country, are battling substance abuse.
Two substance abusers, ahead of their enrolment into the programme, spoke to SABC News.
“The reason why I am here is because I want to change my life. I am old now. I am not doing this for myself but for my children. I have two kids now and I need to rehabilitate myself and take care of them. There are a lot of mistakes that I made, now I want to be a better person,” says one of them.
“I just wish to thank government for affording me with this opportunity. I regret ever starting alcohol. I lost everything because of alcohol. Now I want to start afresh and become a better person. I was working for government before and hopefully in future I can work hand in hand with them to preach about a world against drug abuse,” says the other.
