BY: Prudence Nhavingo
The Community Oriented Substance Use Project (COSUP), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, the UP Department of Social Work and Criminology, and OUT, along with the Tshwane Leadership Forum, offers hope to South Africans struggling with substance abuse.
COSUP was initiated in mid-2016 with the aim of combating substance abuse in various communities by providing rehabilitation, education, medical examinations, treatment, counseling, and social services to individuals dealing with alcohol and drug abuse who wish to quit.
According to program secretary Ouma Makola, they have been organizing fun walks in different communities to support individuals struggling with substance abuse by offering hope and information on how they can access rehabilitation and treatment.
The project also supports those under the influence of drugs or alcohol by organizing community events, such as fun walks, to bring people together and show support for those affected by substance abuse.
Substance abuse has been an ongoing issue in many communities, leading to high crime rates, diseases caused by sharing needles, family conflict, economic instability, and community discord. As a result, community members come out in large numbers to support both the project and those affected by substance abuse.
“Having a child who abuses drugs is a very difficult journey. You sometimes face conflicts with people in the community, your child goes missing for days, steals from you, and can go days without bathing. As a parent, you have to accept all this because you gave birth to that child. All you can do is pray about it,” said Winny Khumalo.
Some individuals affected by substance abuse attend these events or visit COSUP offices to seek help, counseling, and motivation to lead them on the right path to overcoming their addiction to drugs or alcohol.
“I did not just ruin my life with drugs; I also damaged my mother’s house, her respect, and dignity in the community. I have scars that tell a story and have been in and out of jail but still fail to change. That’s why I am here today to ask for assistance from the COSUP program,” said Gregory Mahlangu.
