Consequences of doing drugs

DRUGS have serious implications psychologically, physically and financially.

Psychological changes: Includes manipulative or secretive behaviour, personality changes, poor memory and lack of concentration, mood changes, being fearful or paranoid and laughing for no reason.

Behavioural changes: Includes poor productivity, frequent fights, being absent, defiant behaviour, isolating oneself and poor attitude.

Personal appearance changes: Includes bloodshot eyes and neglect of grooming and dressing.

Health issues: Includes weight loss, headaches, constant thirst, sweating, hand tremors, poor co-ordination, nausea and body pains. AT 15, Terry* was exposed to a life of drug and alcohol abuse.

What started out as experimenting grew into an addiction, leading him to steal to fuel his habit, landing him in jail.

The 26-year-old father of one decided he needed to change his life after recently being released from Westville Correctional Services, after serving nine months. It is for the sake of his eight-year-old son.

“I grew up in Wentworth where there was a lot of gangsterism and drugs. I became involved with the wrong people and was exposed to heroin, which became my addiction.

“My now former girlfriend fell pregnant when I was 18 and rumours started that she worked as a prostitute to support her habit, which hurt me.

“I confronted her and she kicked me out of her family’s home, so I was out on the street and began stealing, stabbing and robbing people.”

Last year, he found himself behind bars. To get parole, the court advised he check into a rehab centre.

“Prior to going to prison, I attempted to go to different rehab centres but would run away and go back to my life of drugs and crime.”

At the end of last year when he was meant to be released on parole, prison authorities, he said, did not want him to return home.

“So my mother found the MFC Care Centre, which helped me stay clean. After the programme ended earlier this year, I walked out feeling better but circumstances led to me feeling as if I was going to relapse, so I contacted the centre and said I needed help. They allowed me to come back and I feel I am on the path to leading a drug free life.”

* Terry is not his real name