In some homes across South Africa, children are not just neglected; they are emotionally abandoned, exposed to substance use, and sometimes handed the first puff or drink by the very people meant to protect them. On World Drug Day (June 26), it’s time to confront the devastating role that broken family structures and societal apathy… Read more

As the world observes World Drug Day on June 26, the call to action is clear: Break the Cycle. But breaking the cycle of substance use disorder (SUD) isn’t just about treating the symptoms – it means identifying and healing the root causes. At the forefront of this approach is SANCA Wedge Gardens, a Johannesburg-based… Read more

At Sanca Wedge Gardens substance use treatment centre, we work with a diverse group of people. Recently, we asked our clients to trace and cut out their hands, then decorate them with paint or colours in any way they wished. The hands were then displayed on the branches of a ‘tree’. “The results were vibrant… Read more

Substance use disorder (SUD) can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, leading to chaos, instability and a loss of control. This is according to Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens SUD treatment centre, who says that one of the most effective tools in recovery is the establishment of a routine. “A routine… Read more

SANCA Wedge Gardens’ clients came together on Heritage Day to celebrate together and talk about their traditions and culture, with each one placing a piece on a map to represent where they come from. A sports day was also held, with clients being divided into teams and competing against each other. Lots of fun and… Read more

Given the prevalence of addiction, employers are increasingly confronted with employees struggling with substance use disorders. This is not surprising, given the challenges that can arise in the workplace, says Adèl Grobbelaar, the manager of SANCA Wedge Gardens. “Stress factors can push individuals to seek performance enhancement through substances, mistakenly believing they boost creativity and… Read more

Denial is a cornerstone of addiction, a powerful force that can blind individuals to the destructive consequences of substance use. Those suffering from substance use disorders often deny the existence of their addiction, the substances they use, the quantities consumed, the frequency of use, the people they use with, and the negative impact their addiction… Read more

International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities. “At SANCA Wedge Gardens, we witness first-hand the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction,” says Adèl Grobbelaar, who heads up the Johannesburg-based treatment centre. The theme of this year’s campaign… Read more