CTDCC: Leading the Fight Against Substance Abuse in the Western Cape

CTDCC team at work. picture: CTDCC official Facebook

Substance abuse continues to be one of the most dangerous and widespread public health issues faced in today’s South Africa. While alcohol abuse retains its position as the most overly-consumed substance, drug addiction is right behind it. Particularly drugs such as cannabis, heroin, and cocaine dominate the illicit drug market. As a result families are destroyed and friendships are broken, leaving people isolated within their addictions. Luckily, there are organisations that specialise in supporting those who seek to recover such as The Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre’s (CTDCC). 

The Cape Town drug scene 

The drug crisis in South Africa has continued to spike, particularly after 1994. This was onset by the drastic shift caused when the apartheid government was dismantled. This new age in our history brought about freedom but also a new form of socioeconomic inequality. For many, this meant large-scale poverty and unemployment, which laid the roots for the drug use we see today–particularly in communities that were already disadvantaged. 

According to the report issued by the Central Drug Authority in February of this year, the most common substance abused in Cape Town is methamphetamine, or as it commonly referred–tik. The SACENDU report from 2023 further supports this as it stated that, in the Western Cape specifically, over 40% of all treatment admissions were for tik, compared to cannabis which was around 20%.

 In the 2023 Western Cape Department of Social Development Substance Use Directory, it was  deemed as being responsible for the majority of treatment admissions at rehabilitation and counselling centers across the province. In Cape Town specifically, many townships across have  such as Khayelitsha, Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain. From gang related violence perpetuated by organised drug syndicates to  fractured bonds, tik and any drugs like it, have left their devastating marks in Cape Town communities. With many South African communities suffering from these drugs, the need for accessible support has never been greater. That’s where the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) comes in.

Mitchells Plain CTDCC branch. Picture: News 24

The CTDCC and their impact

In light of this, the CTDCC and organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous, have taken their stance against this prevailing issue– but what exactly is CTDCC?, and how do they differ from other drug counselling services in the city. 

Formed in 1995, The Cape Town Drug Counselling Center (CTDCC) provides a multitude of opportunities for recovering addicts and their families. The center has two core aims, to rehabilitate recoverees and to connect and support their loved ones directly affected by their addictions. With branches in Observatory, Mitchells Plain and Atlantis, their services are easily accessible to addicts looking for a safe space to heal and be rehabilitated.

The Observatory branch, located at 1 Roman Road, had many stories to share from recoverees. In an interview one 37 year old woman shared a few words stating “A sincere thank-you to CTDCC and my counsellor Fairuz for all the assistance and knowledge provided. It has been a God-send working with Fairuz, simply because it is evident that she has a passion for what she does, and that has made all the difference to me. I first attended CTDCC in 2007 and returned in March 2013. A heartfelt thank-you, and together I pray that we all do well” Her heartfelt response serves as evidence that the programme works if you work with it. 

The difference between CTDCC and other NGOs focusing on drug rehabilitation

In my research, I interviewed the committee from Narcotics Anonymous, which is a completely different organisation. The reason for this was to assess the main differences in treatment and how that impacts recovery. 

While CTDCC focuses on treating addiction, with specialised counsellors and social workers trained to work with the clientele. In terms of who the members are, it is primarily the youth. The clients that often walk through the doors are students, referred to by schools, family or even employers. They are required to go, as opposed to choosing of their own volition but during treatment and countless counselling sessions, they come to understand the dangers of drugs and the benefits of being in rehab. This said, their services are open to anyone and everyone in need. With one social worker sharing his own sentiments that “People who approach us are confronted honestly with their problem. It is entirely their choice how they intend to deal with their predicaments – if at all.”

This is in contrast to organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous, which focus on peer support and healing. Their philosophy lies beyond professional treatment but holistic treatment catered to everyone. “For addicts, by addicts” as they specified in our interview. While the CTDCC offers structured therapy and medical services, the NA foundation is more dependent on shared healing, understanding and community. Both NGOs and their approaches to substance abuse play a vital role in reshaping and fighting the crisis within our country, complementing each other  in different ways.

Inside the CTDCC building. Picture: CTDCC Facebook page 

How does treatment work

The CTDCC offers an intensive 6-week program that includes individual, group and family counselling. Additionally, they have medical and psychiatric services such as HIV testing, educational lectures, and acupuncture and psychiatric therapy. 

What does the referral process look like?

Once a potential client has been referred to the CTDCC, they need to complete a form with the necessary details needed. Thereafter, they are required to make an appointment with the branch closest to them to ask about availability. 

If a client chooses to continue with the programme, they will be required to pay R100 a week. If they cannot afford this, the organisation makes a plan with the client to make sure they can still receive treatment. The reason it is a paid service is to make sure clients take responsibility for their own treatment.  Stating “a drug abuser can spend R100 a lot easier on a drugs than on rehab, hence the request for payment from the client is part and parcel of the reformation process”

Conclusion

The Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre has done tremendous work since it was opened. They have treated countless clients and guided them to live healthier lives, for themselves and their loved ones. By offering professional services that treat people with dignity and compassion, they have demonstrated that the drug crisis can be fought. Though recovery never truly ends, and is a commitment one must carry throughout their lives, the help is there. The first step towards healing must be taken by the addict themselves but there are people rooting for and supporting you through the way. Whether it is CTDCC or NA or any counselling services that suits your needs, you are not fighting alone.