‘Harm reduction’: human touch helping heroin addicts

TODAY, dear readers, I want you to join me on a journey unlike one you’ve ever been on. For this, I need you to be neutral. What we don’t understand and know can cause fear. We seldom take the time to understand it. We either become judgemental, dismissive or avoid the topic. Let’s go!

My dad was an alcoholic. It destroyed us. And I used to despise a drunk person. The smell of brandy wakes up a feeling of resentment in me. But today I know my Dad was sick. An alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease. And so is drug addiction.

Through the years we worked hard on finding a cure, a solution for this illness. We even went as far as “tough love”.

Drugs are all around us. In the boardrooms of a business empire, right down to the gutter behind the station. On the streets of Cape Town one can buy tik, heroin, mandrax, weed etc.

Cape Town has its share of drug users. And one finds drug use among the homeless as well. Kids as young as 13 are hooked on heroin. For R20, you can get a fix.

I want to focus today on heroin users. Some inject, smoke or sniff it. And if you don’t have any, you “roster” (withdraw).

I have seen this and it must be awful. Body cramps, sweat outbreak, to name just a few.

To inject the drug is the riskiest, I think. One needs a fresh needle for each shot. To share a needle with another person can put your life in danger. The risk of HIV, hepatitis etc is huge.

Apart from that, using dirty needles can also cause severe skin infections. And I would think it must be hard for the user in this state to seek help at a clinic or hospital.

And I think one must feel awkward sitting in the waiting room waiting to be seen by a doctor, with septic sores over you.

Some will avoid going to a clinic and end up in the ER.

I’m sure you have heard about the term “harm reduction”.

Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies, from safer use to managed use to abstinence, to meet drug users “where they’re at”, addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.

Drug users also receive packs with clean, sterile needles, alcohol wipes etc. They receive counselling and support.

It is about the person. The human touch.

I am sure some of you have seen used needles lying around.

The good news is there are dedicated NGOs that carry out regular checks in the city and other areas, removing used syringes, needles etc and disposing of them in a safe way.

I am a recovering addict. I am not a criminal. I don’t rob people. I love life. I love people.

And thank God there are people who still love me, in spite of my challenge.

Contact Danny at danny.oosthuizen@inl.co.za.