Addiction affects every person differently which means that their recovery paths will be different as well.

Fighting a substance use disorder is possible. Rehabilitation centres around the country are geared to assist people suffering from addictive disorders to learn how to take control of the addiction so that they can live a normal life.

“To get out of the addictive environment completely requires a complete overhaul of a patient’s life and everything that they are used to. It’s a lifestyle change like no other. From social circles, to jobs, regular routines and the ongoing daily battle to fight the addiction,” says Vermeulen.

 “The support of medical and therapeutic professionals with the right knowledge, as well as family members, friends and even colleagues who are not afraid to have honest conversations is invaluable.”

SANCA has decided to speed up the development of holistic and effective treatment protocols by hosting an event that will discuss practical, evidence-based substance use disorder solutions relevant to the unique African context. The ADDICTION 2021 Conference will involve a wide variety of stakeholders including:

• doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and other healthcare practitioners
• pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors
• social work specialists
• medical aid and managed care providers
• hospital group owners and administrators
• rehabilitation providers
• academia and researchers
• school governing bodies and educators
• employers, employee assistance practitioners, health and wellness consultants
• government officials from the departments of social development, health, education, justice, law enforcement and correctional services 
• non-profit organisations, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and more

Another common myth is that only poor or uneducated people are affected and that substance abuse is a class problem, not an individual problem.

A substance use disorder isn’t dependent on race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, social status, financial status or education. It also doesn’t just inflict people who have character flaws or are weak willed.

 According to Vermeulen the average age of a person starting to experiment with addictive substances like alcohol or drugs is 12 years of age. Because it’s a progressive illness, the addiction is created over a period of time – most admissions to SANCA centers are in the age group of 18 to 35.

 “There are many other reasons why some people get addicted and others don’t.” says Vermeulen. “The addictive gene is hereditary, but just because you have the addictive gene, doesn’t mean you don’t have a fighting spirit.”

 “Only once the conversation around substance use disorders shifts from stigma to solutions will more people be willing to seek treatment.”