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Former addict lights the way for people in recovery
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At 11 years of age, James Donovan started drinking. At 13, he was smoking weed and when he was barely out of his teens, he exchanged a sexual favour for a meagre R50 hit. The boy who just wanted to fit in became the adult who lived on the streets, who was unemployable and virtually… Read more
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Illegal cigarettes and substance abuse
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South Africa has banned the sale of cigarettes during lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 but the big illegal cigarette brands are now the best sellers around the country. “As most of us know, smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases worldwide. Unlike legally produced cigarettes, illicitly… Read more
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COVID-19, mental health and substance abuse
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People who abuse drugs or alcohol often do so to cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. A global pandemic like COVID-19 can trigger a wide range of emotional reactions, causing high levels of anxiety and stress for all of us. “Substance use and abuse during this time should be avoided but ironically,… Read more
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Ten years sober!
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My life revolved around alcohol, says 51-year-old James Algera who recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety. After growing up in Rustenburg in the North West, James – like all abled bodied South African boys at the time – was conscripted into the South African army for his national service. It was while in the army… Read more
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Faith versus fear
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KAREN GRIESSEL, A SOCIAL WORKER AT JOHANNESBURG’S SANCA WEDGE GARDENS TREATMENT CENTRE, TALKS ABOUT FAITH VERSUS FEAR AND HOW HAVING FAITH CAN HELP THE ADDICTION RECOVERY PROCESS: During these trying times, a common experience many are having is the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds. There have been many job losses and few opportunities exist. Then… Read more
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The cornerstones of recovery
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Self-determination and motivation are two crucial elements in the recovery process of addicts. Karen Griessel, a social worker at Sanca-accredited Wedge Gardens rehab centre in Johannesburg, says the desire to get clean and sober must be internally driven. “Self-determination and motivation rest on the person’s core values, interests and morality. The decision to stop drugs… Read more
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Drink responsibly during the coronavirus
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Wedge Gardens rehab centre social worker Karen Griessel has issued a word of caution to South Africans, following the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol. “For many, being able to enjoy a drink now and again is good news but for others, alcohol use creates problems,” she says. She explains that alcohol… Read more
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Resilience – being psychologically and emotionally tough
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No person goes without adversity, trials and tribulations and even more so those who dabble in addiction. “Often, their challenges are self-inflicted,” says Karen Griessel, a social worker at Sanca-affiliated Wedge Gardens rehab centre in Johannesburg. “Being able to bounce back sooner than later is what matters. It must also be said that it takes… Read more
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Self-care, an essential service to yourself
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Making time for yourself in today’s busy world is often a challenge – and this is even worse for active addicts whose entire focus is on finding their next drink or hit. Karen Griessel, a social worker at Johannesburg’s Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, says an addict’s life is consumed with not only finding and using… Read more
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010 534 6596
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wedgegardens@randaid.co.za
