Chante Hohip24 June 2025 | 16:22

Drug Awareness Week: Recovering addict tells how Narcotics Anonymous helped him after 35 years in darkness

Peter has been drug-free for nine years and shares his story...

Drug Awareness Week: Recovering addict tells how Narcotics Anonymous helped him after 35 years in darkness

Photo: Pixabay/hamedmehrnik

The South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA) commemorates Drug Awareness Week from 22 to 27 June.  

The non-profit aims to raise awareness on the strain and impact drug abuse has on the country and its citizens.

Peter has been drug-free for nine years. 

“I started at the age of 15, and the next 35 years of my live was shambles. I was in and out of jail, in and out of institutions, couldn’t hold down a job… [Narcotics Anonymous] saved my life.”
– Peter, member of Narcotics Anonymous
“I could not do it on my own - but sitting around in a group, with a group of likeminded addicts who also want to recover, listening to their stories… it gave me the tools and the way forward to recovery.”
– Peter, member of Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous holds 110 meetings per week across Johannesburg.

Visit their website here for more information.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to SANCA on 011 892 3829, Whatsapp 076 535 1701 or email info@sancaoffice.org.za

You can also contact the National Department of Social development 24-hour substance abuse helpline on 0800 12 13 14.

 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.