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why are some more susceptible to substance abuse?
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Road to recovery Pastor Paul Adriaanse from Christ Church Sybrand Park has dedicated almost 20 years of his life to helping families affected by drug abuse. What many don’t know is that he was once an addict too. Here, he shares his testimony with us.
I
grew up in Grassy Park and was the youngest of eight siblings. My parents were both alcoholics. My dad died when I was 13 years old and my mom a decade later. After my father passed away, he left us with nothing; my family survived on a pensioner’s grant each month. We also didn’t have a fatherly figure and my mom was too busy managing the household. I started experimenting with dagga when I was in Grade 8. When I started Grade 10, I moved onto buttons (mandrax tablets), which later became my drug of choice. After spending three years in Grade 10, I finally passed and landed a job as an apprentice at Simon’s Town Naval Dockyard. By this time I was a hopeless addict who could now buy my own drugs. I used to skarrel (scavenge) and steal to get money until pay day. Six years later, I was forced to resign due to my addiction. Although I wanted to kick my habit, I couldn’t. The best way to describe my lowest moment was in the words of the psalmist: “Some sat in darkness … prisoners suffering in iron chains.” Think of a good memory and the euphoria it brings. Well, that moment was the exact opposite because of the sadness and pain that came with my addiction. I didn’t like what I had become. I was utterly selfish and was hurting my wife, child and those around me. This knowledge, coupled with
the agony of distressing my mother and our lack of reconciliation before her death, further prompted my desire to quit drugs.
In God’s strength
When I unexpectedly clinched a job in early 1990, it became clear that God had His hand on me. Every day, one of my colleagues would tell me about Christ and what He could do for people. This continued for five months until I realised that Jesus was the answer to my problems. One Sunday morning in June, I went to work to look for my workmate because I wanted to receive Jesus. Someone told me he was at church so off I went. After the service, my colleague and the pastor led me through the sinners’ prayer. I felt a huge weight lift off me. In the blink of an eye, Jesus Christ set me free from the bondage of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. God and Jesus made my recovery possible after more than 10 years of drug addiction. I had tried to do it on my own for many years but was never able to. When I surrendered everything to Him, freedom came with it. It reminds me of Psalm 107, which describes the utter desperation of people crying out to God. He will hear and deliver them.
A word of encouragement My experiences as a drug addict have helped me to understand life better – to be more empathic but also identify the lies and deceit that follow addiction. Today, I am driven by the joy that comes with serving Jesus through helping others deal with their circumstances. Keep calling out to Christ – don’t give up. To families, stay on your knees. Seek help so you know how to handle the situation. Ignorance can be your biggest enemy. And remember, Jesus will meet you anywhere!
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glenn robertson on jazz, his testimony and being a pastor
#1 – 2014
Mind your language Ever heard Christians talk about recovery being impossible without Christ? Colleen Herman, nursing service manager from Hope Again Recovery Home, sheds light on the matter. Why do people turn to drugs? Scripture teaches us that we are born into sin and our very nature creates a void, which can only be filled by accepting Christ as our saviour. People try to satisfy themselves with food, gambling, sex, drugs or money. But when Christ saves, He delivers and restores man, thereby fulfilling that need.
Is complete rehabilitation possible without Christ? Yes – but the void still exists for some people, hence relapse is always a possibility. In Christ, one has the opportunity to be saved, delivered and healed completely.
The term deliverance is used in church circles. How does it work? The Oxford Dictionary defines deliverance as the action of being rescued or set free. Christians believe it’s only possible through Christ Jesus. It starts with the addict’s desire to be healed.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart yet no-one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
The power of dreams
I Desireé Johnson, founding member of 3 Strands and MD of Mikateko Media, shares her vision for Testimony.
had a dream. Literally. I envisioned a newspaper being distributed to thousands of people. In it was a message of hope for those who are tormented and dying because of substance abuse. I even dreamt of the name Testimony. It was clear to me that God wanted to use my publishing talents to tell His people that there is hope and in doing so, honour His name.
I saw a timeline, a business model and the faces of the people who would make this venture possible. They all graciously accepted my invitation to get involved. In April 2013, the 3 Strands initiative was born (see right). Both 3 Strands and Testimony have been established to strengthen and support substance abusers and their families. They are inspired and driven by the word of God in
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV), which reads: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no-one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands
is not quickly broken.” Others joined along the way, including Mikateko Media (meaning “blessings” in Tsonga), of which I’m a founding member. I’d like to thank my business partners for their support and for adopting Testimony as one of the company’s CSI projects. And so the newspaper has been printed. Just as God planned.
A threefold cord The vision of 3 Strands is to publish a free newspaper that will be distributed to communities affected by substance abuse. Testimony will let addicts know that they can change through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Testimony
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Never give up MY FAMILY
How do you hold onto your faith in God when a family member is an addict? One woman shares her testimony.
W There is hope Welcome to the first edition of Testimony; it’s certainly been a humbling and inspiring journey. Substance abuse has a devastating effect on our families, neighbourhoods and the nation. We only need to step into our communities to see how this scourge is destroying young lives. What many don’t know is that there’s hope in Jesus Christ. We bring you the real-life experiences of a former drug abuser (see page 1), as well as that of an addict’s wife (see right). We also celebrate the efforts of a faith-based drug rehabilitation centre in Mitchell’s Plain (see page 3). We trust that you’ll draw strength and inspiration from all our stories.
Alicia
PS Please share your testimony with us by emailing alicia.english@mikatekomedia.co.za.
ilhelmina George*, a 45-year-old mother and wife living in Mitchell’s Plain, is no stranger to the burden and pain caused by substance abuse. In 2008, her husband started using crystal meth (tik), which turned her family life upside down. He later started using heroine, stealing to maintain his habit. After months of drug use, he eventually lost his job because he was absent for days on end. But this wasn’t where her trauma ended. “Things were so bad at one point that I feared for my life, especially when he was on tik. I’ve lost count of how many times I came close to death,” Wilhelmina says. “There have been times when he would torment me with sharp objects or beat me up. One night, he tied a belt around my neck and nearly strangled me. I had a job at a pharmacy at the time but was forced to give it up because I was too bruised.”
By God’s grace
While 2008 signalled the start of a nightmarish roller-coaster ride, it was also the year Wilhelmina accepted Christ as her saviour. This, she says, is what sustained her during her ordeal. “After I was born again, it was as if the devil turned up the heat in my life,” she says. “My husband’s drug addiction spiralled out of control
and we lost just about everything. We were forced to live in a Wendy house in someone’s backyard and we often had no money for food. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, my daughter started using drugs too, even though it only continued for six months. Throughout this time, I drew closer to God. It’s truly by His grace that I kept sane.” She understood that God knew her strengths and weaknesses, and had a plan for their lives. “As long as the heavens He created were still in their place, I could hold onto the hope that He will keep me,” she says.
Holding on
It’s been about six years since Wilhelmina’s suffering began but this Mitchell’s Plain gran is not ready to give up hope just yet. “Things have improved recently. I believe it’s because I haven’t stopped praying for my husband’s salvation,” she says. “There were times when I felt like giving up but God wouldn’t let me. He would give me the strength to continue. My husband recently got his old job back and is using drugs less frequently. I can see God is dealing with his life and I’m confident that He will deliver him from this addiction.” In the meantime, Wilhelmina is continuing to pray for her husband. She’s also ministering to drug addicts and their families. “Don’t give up on your children or spouse. When you feel like doing so, look up to the heavens. Persevere. God will come through for you.” *Name has been changed.
The root of the matter Experimentation A person may have a desire to experiment with something he or she knows is bad news, usually for a thrill. Some do it once and never have a desire to try again, while others find they cannot stop. This is common in adolescents because they’re curious about using drugs and alcohol.
Home life A dad uses substances such as mandrax for “recreational” purposes. He seems responsible because he has a job and provides for his family. He’s never sober on weekends but that’s okay. Growing up, his children may see this lifestyle is normal.
Genetic predisposition There’s a pattern on one or both sides of the family tree (parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents or siblings). Sometimes a multigenerational family is healthy and successful, while on
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other occasions you find a high incidence of some destructive behaviour pattern.
Parents’ absence When kids don’t know one of their biological parents, it causes great angst, negatively affecting their selfimage. Drugs then offer an escape from pain and rejection.
Inability to say no Dealers are extremely accessible in gang-infested and impoverished communities; often they’re next door or down the road. In these instances, it becomes difficult to turn down drugs.
Divorce Children often have the space to do their own thing and to manipulate their parents. Many are angry. Some believe they have a legitimate reason to become juvenile delinquents to get back at those who hurt or apparently abandoned them.
These children often have everything but are craving attention.
disappointment in a relationship becomes a turning point.
Bad money management
Psychological factors
Some youngsters feel they must spend all their cash, called spandabelrig, because they love to wear expensive clothes and drive nice cars. They’re materialistic and want a cool image to make up for their insecurities.
Low self-esteem and emotional instability are linked to depression or traumatic experiences. When people are on a path of self-destruction they may turn to drugs.
Sheer naughtiness and rebelliousness Kids want to experiment, get rich quickly and be cool but end up burning their fingers.
Peer pressure Some guys will do anything to fit in or impress a person from the opposite sex, so they are introduced to drugs by someone they want to talk to.
Poor stress management Sometimes, children can’t cope with the pressures of schoolwork, family tensions or financial stress, or
Parents vs grandparents When parents do not speak with one voice – mom tries to protect her kids while dad is overly strict – their children take advantage. Sometimes, grandparents live with the family, unintentionally taking the leadership power away from the parents. If the grandparents are the ones raising youngsters, the kids often bamboozle their elders, who are unable to follow through on discipline. A misguided granny who’s a chain smoker will sometimes offer her grandchild tea and cigarettes as a form of bonding.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCKPHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES, COURTESY IMAGES
Why are some people more susceptible to drug abuse? Glenda Kayster, a qualified Christian social worker and drug counsellor, helps us to understand the underlying causes. Although they are complex, addiction is generally understood to be caused by a combination of spiritual, physical, mental, circumstantial and psychological factors.
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Therapy 101
Occupational therapist Simone Miller demystifies the role her industry plays when dealing with substance abuse. The change game
Ask yourself… • What are your routines? Do they negatively impact your health or stop you from doing what’s important to you? • How does your substance use affect your role, for instance that of a parent? Occupational therapy can help you to learn new skills and cope with the stresses of being a mother or father without having to drink. Previously that role may have deteriorated. • Do your daily habits and behaviours revolve around drugs or alcohol, causing you to lose your identity in the process? The focus of OT is on rebuilding your roles by determining what activities bring you the most joy and sense of wellbeing, preparing you to fill whatever void is left behind.
The main focus of occupational therapy (OT) is to switch everyday routines from the destructive use of alcohol and drugs to those that are healthier. We help to develop coping strategies that will lead to a more satisfying and balanced lifestyle. Therapy could focus on skills such as:
Communication
Coping skills
Social skills
Anger management
Goal setting
Time management
Stress
Relaxation therapy
Budgeting
Relationships
My community
Hope & a future
From the moment Hope Again Recovery Home in Mitchell’s Plain opened its doors in 2007, it was evident that there was a desperate need in the community for a faith-based drug rehabilitation centre. The registered residential halfway house started as a support group for men to overcome drug abuse and deal with societal problems such as domestic violence and gangsterism. Now it offers a sixmonth residential programme for addicts as well as a facility for women. “Our vision is to create a safe environment for addicts to confront the root cause of their addictions. We also want to empower them to become constructive and productive citizens,” explains nursing service manager Colleen Herman.
Overcoming addiction
wellness
You are what you eat These dietary tips will help your body recover from substance abuse.
Stay hydrated. It helps your body maintain a healthy balance. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
Less is more. Smaller balanced meals will keep your blood sugar levels stable. Try eating five modest meals a day instead of three large meals.
Limit or avoid caffeine, saturated fats and processed food.
Include protein such as turkey, chicken or fish, high-fibre food such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and seeds in your diet.
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Hope Again Recovery Home is offering addicts a lifeline when it comes to substance abuse.
Since it opened, thousands of addicts have graduated from Hope Again’s programmes, which are based on Christian ethics. “We present workable, holistic principles that alter all areas of the addicts’ lives: body, soul and spirit,” says Colleen. “Our counselling sessions don’t put the recovering addict under unrealistic pressure but give them enough time to gain insight into their situation. We have formal and one-on-one sessions with group and home leaders, mentors and pastoral counsellors.” While the programme is faith-based it doesn’t discriminate against clients from other faiths or cultures. “We want people to stay off drugs so we strive to give them the necessary support, direction and skills to overcome their setbacks and gain control of their lives. They can then find hope for themselves in the future and give hope to others,” says Colleen. Hope Again Recovery Home also offers an after-care programme to help graduates reintegrate into their families and society, and prevent relapse.
benefits * There’s a safe and sober living environment in which to recover. * Clients can unlearn the routine of addiction and establish new ones. * Programmes focus on deliverance from and healing of hurts. * Clients learn self-respect and responsibility towards their family and society. * Clients develop work ethics and establish good moral living practices.
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abuse, these places can assist:
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Slot this into your DVD player
Get in touch
If you need assistance with overcoming substance abuse, these places can assist:
You can order this DVD online via www.cumbooks.co.za.
The Book of Daniel
Glenn Robertson
Pastor of Kaleidoscope Church in Claremont and vocalist-slash-percussionist for the Glenn Robertson Jazz Band
Please could you share your testimony. I was the resident vocalist at a nightclub in the ’80s. My wife Michelle was never really happy about it. She would say, “If Jesus came for you, would you be able to say you’re serving Him?” I would always shrug and laugh it off. If God didn’t want me to sing, He would take away my voice. What arrogance! One afternoon, I was on my way to the bar when a woman – way past her alcohol limit – stumbled across my path, cursing at the barman. I stopped. In that moment I imagined Jesus, as He was portrayed in Sunday school, with a white robe and sandalled feet, walking through the door to meet me. I looked at what was going on around me and knew that I was not where He wanted me to be at the time. I walked back to the stage and, as I got there, I saw Michelle, who had not been to the club in months. She’d come to collect me. Without hesitation, I took my microphone out of the stand and started packing up my equipment … while the band was playing! I never went back. God had a plan and a purpose, and I needed to be obedient to His voice.
How do you merge your faith with jazz music? Each person is roughly programmed to express an aspect of God’s nature. He expects us to be faithful with what He’s blessed us with. I happen to be a musician and a pastor so I believe I’m tapping into the resources He’s given me.
What do you enjoy most about working with people? It’s about loving God and loving people. To see others come to the fullness of the potential God has placed in them brings me great joy.
Your top tips for encouraging others are… 1. Never throw in the towel. God’s got the towel in His hand anyway! 2. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 3. Never, never, never give up!
What’s one Bible verse you live by? When Jesus prays for His disciples in John 17:15: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world but that you should keep them from the evil one.” I believe I’m living that now!
www.theglennrobertsonjazzband.co.za www.kaleidoscope.org.za
After Jerusalem falls in 605BC, Daniel is forced into slavery, made to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. Even though his life is constantly at stake, he continues to prove that he’s trustworthy and is promoted to one of the king’s wise men. Then he has to choose between his loyalty to the king or God, life or the lion’s den.
Cape Town Drug Counselling Centres Observatory: 021 447 8026 Mitchell’s Plain: 021 391 0216 www.drug centre.org.za
AA 0861 435 722 www.aasouth africa.org.za
SANCA 086 147 2622 www.sanca national.org
Alcohol and Drug Concerns 021 797 0583 www.adccape.co.za
NA 083 900 6962 www.na.org.za
Call pastor Paul Adriaanse from Christ Church Sybrand Park on 021 696 5316 for more information and suggestions.
WIN! You could win one of five copies of Glenn Robertson’s CD, The Best Of. To enter, email your contact details to alicia.english@ mikatekomedia.co.za with “Testimony CD” in the subject line.
Add these to your bookshelf You can order both books online via www.christianbooks.co.za.
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Ed Welch has a look at how the Bible deals with addictions. Although the focus is on drugs and alcohol, the ideas could apply to other areas of our lives. “What is it about our humanness that leaves us susceptible to being overtaken by certain desires?” he asks. This book will help you to understand the spiritual side of addictions.
Thank you!
3% of lo c listen to al adults G 36% enjo ospel. songs or y love b 28% turn allads. u house m p the usic.
Crossroads is intended as a small group study for those who are dealing with addictions. There are 10 steps by Ed Welch, an expert in biblical counselling, which will help you to recognise patterns associated with addiction and find hope in Jesus. Although change isn’t easy, it is possible. This guide is based on Addictions – A Banquet in the Grave.
Publisher Desireé Johnson Editor Alicia English Copy Editor Kirsty Wilkins Layout www.gapdesign.co.za Printers Tandym Print
Issue 1 has been kindly sponsored by: Doreen Abrahams Patrick and Ingrid Abrahams Lynn Adams Ed and Renae Clay Rochelle Hendricks David Heneke Felicity Herman Barry and Desireé Johnson Tony and Bev Miller Bianca Miller Simone Miller Tarryn Miller Gavin and Candice Oosterwyk Merle Philander Greg and Gillian Priem Greg and Gillian Ronné Brent Williams Patrick and Zelda Williams Mark and Debbie Witten Mikateko Media Tandym Print
Accordin g to Eighty20 XtracT: ’s 6
Any donations towards 3 Strands are appreciated. Our banking details are: 3 Strands/CCSP First National Bank Account number 62436646816 Branch code 250655 Project manager Bev Miller 078 437 7007 beverley.miller99 @gmail.com
Published by Mikateko Media (Pty) Ltd. New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001 | PO Box 872, Green Point, 8051 021 417 1111 | www.mikatekomedia.co.za Disclaimer All rights reserved. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor, publisher nor Mikateko Media can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise.
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