Minister Fernandez launches Substance Abuse Campaign

Today 16 February 2021, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, visited Kensington Treatment Centre (KTC)- a government-run in-patient treatment programme for women only, as part of the official launch of the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)’s Substance Abuse Campaign.

The campaign makes use of a series of videos and visuals depicting that when you access the right help for yourself, your loved ones can be positively affected too.  A key focus of the campaign is alerting the public about the importance of accessing the right help for any person dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), and how the right help can make all the difference in getting their lives back on track.

Please see link to campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/WesternCapeGovernment/posts/4370120086336929

If you or your loved ones are struggling with a substance use disorder, the right guidance and support can help you, so you can be there when your family need you.

“Your addiction is not just your own, and can have an impact on the entire family. This is why getting the right treatment now will help your loved ones in the future. The Department holds a database with all the registered Substance Abuse treatment options in the province.

I wish to urge all members of the public, to check on the registration status of the facility or organisation, offering any SUD programme. By doing this, you can help ensure that your loved ones are placed at a facility, where they will be treated with respect and that their human rights are protected,” said Minister Fernandez.

Today’s visit to Kensington Treatment Centre (KTC) serves as a great example of a gender-responsive treatment option for women service users who have a substance use disorder.

Research has shown that physical and sexual trauma followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more common in women with substance use disorders seeking treatment than in men. In view of this, treatment requirements may differ between men and women.

In order to accommodate this need, in 2015, the Kensington Treatment Centre was identified to accommodate women only.

Under the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, all registered facilities are required to possess a registration certificate, which must be visibly displayed in an area where clients can see it.  If not displayed, families can request that proof of registration is provided before the admission process is started.

There are currently 101 registered service providers on the provincial database that can be broken down as follows:

•          Inpatient Treatment 29

•          Halfway Houses 3

•          Community-Based treatment Services 69

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) with the support of its Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) partners provides a wide array of substance use disorder (SUD) programmes, ranging from prevention, early intervention, through to community-based and in-patient rehabilitation and aftercare services.

All programs funded by the Department of Social Development are registered in accordance with the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, Act 70 of 2008.

Services offered by the Department and its NPO partners include, amongst others:

•          Awareness, primary prevention, early intervention, aftercare services;

•          Specialized services for victims of gender-based violence. Female service users can also be admitted with their minor children for the duration of their treatment.

•          Specialized treatment for adolescent boys between 13 and 17 years of age, at two funded inpatient treatment centres;

•          Residential or Inpatient Treatment centres and non-residential outpatient (also known as community-based) treatment centres for adults;

•          Reintegration and after-care support;

•          School-based programs at identified high-risk schools aimed at early detection and appropriate interventions for children involved in substance abuse.

Finding the right help:

If you or someone you care about has a substance abuse problem or if you feel that you can’t cope with the symptoms of substance abuse in your home or place of work, getting help is the first step.

The treatment of a SUD is a process, and ongoing support is provided throughout a programme.

Before starting treatment, the service user attend an assessment session.

The completed assessments will determine the type of treatment that is required and is conducted by a trained healthcare professional or social worker. You’ll be able to have an assessment done at a local office of the Department of Social Development, or any community-based organisation with substance abuse services.

Unregistered treatment facilities:

Unregistered treatment centres may not comply with the prescribed norms and standards, hence people accessing such services should be aware that they run the risk of being swindled out of money.

In worst case scenarios they may have their rights violated, run the risk of injury, even death. Unregistered facilities may not have trained staff, expertise or resources to deal with crises and/or complications associated with addiction.

For more information on how to get the right help call 0800 220 250,  or visit our local offices at the Department of Social Development or visit www.westerncape.gov.za/substance-abuse