Soweto has received its first ever substance abuse treatment centre to help fight the rapid growth of drug users within the area.
The City of Johannesburg has opened its first township substance abuse treatment centre. The centre has been opened to help fight the escalating drug problem in the city. The centre is based in Soweto and is the first of many. The need for community-based substance abuse treatment in other areas is also being addressed.
Dr Mpho Phalatse, City of Johannesburg MMC for Health and Social Development was interviewed by Azania Mosaka and said that there needs to be a concerted effort between communities and government to effectively help the drug problem. She feels that these clinics will help counteract the growing drug problem.
“This rehab centre for us is part of a huge plan that is city wide that involves multiple departments across the City. Health and Social Development will be the main custodians” – Dr Mpho Phalatse, City of Johannesburg MMC for Health and Social Development
Anazia confirmed that she understands how families will feel about this treatment centre. She spoke of her own story, her brother has been addicted to drugs for years.
This is fantastic news for people battling addiction but unable to afford the help and treatment to recover. Hopefully this will be adopted by cities across South Africa and more people can begin to heal.
Other treatment centres will be opening at Westbury Clinic, River Park Clinic in Alexandria and in Elderado Park.
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