Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre, located on First Avenue in Greyville, as part of their harm reduction services organizes vital training sessions to educate people who use drugs on practical and effective ways of dealing with stress through mindfulness techniques as a coping mechanism as well as the inherent dangers of taking more than one type of drug. The goal is to save lives as well as empower the community of people who use drugs in eThekwini.

According to the World Drug Report 2023, a significant proportion of South African adults (8.6%) engage in illicit drug use, including cannabis, Mandrax, amphetamines (such as methamphetamine), and opiates. This issue is further exacerbated by limited access to harm reduction services and treatment options, as only a small fraction (less than 5%) of those struggling with substance use disorder receive help. To address this gap and empower members of the community of people who use drugs, the Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre (BHRC) offers a range of harm reduction services to homeless and low-income individuals who use drugs to enhance their overall well-being.

Mixing drugs has become increasingly common in South Africa, with poly-substance use reaching alarming levels. According to the Central Drug Authority annual report of 2021/22 statistics more people are engaging in the simultaneous consumption of multiple substances: 44% in KwaZulu-Natal, 47% in Gauteng, 67% in the Central Region, and 60% in the Western Cape. By giving people who use drugs useful information to better understand the physiological effects of drugs, gaining knowledge about specific substances, recognizing signs of tolerance, dependence, or overdose, they can make informed decisions regarding dosage, frequency, and potential interactions with other medications or substances.

Siyabonga, a delegate at the recent training session learnt about the dangers associated with using multiple drugs simultaneously and how this practice can potentially nullify their intended effects, creating a danger for overdose.

"I learned that smoking Wonga, drinking methadone, and popping "amazini" (Xanax) is a problem. Since "amazini" are a downer, methadone is also a downer, so you might become too depressed if you use both. I am now aware that if I take one drug, I should not mix it with the others”.

The 2021/22 CDA annual report reveals that African blacks, who make up the majority of individuals under 20 years old in regions like KwaZulu-Natal (with a staggering 80%), have alarmingly low rates of accessing help. To address this issue, the BHRC offers opioid substitution therapy to individuals with a low score on the early identification of substance use related health risks and substance use disorders tool. Additionally, they are also present in areas where this demographic congregates and obtains their drugs, removing barriers to accessing harm reduction services.

Through enrolling in the BHRC training course on mindfulness techniques, individuals can heighten their self-awareness and acquire new approaches for effectively managing emotional distress associated with substance abuse.

As a person who uses drugs and is currently experiencing homelessness, Mthozi gained valuable insight into alternative coping mechanisms while attending one of the training sessions as a delegate. Being exposed to practical examples of stress management techniques was eye-opening for him.

“When I have a problem now, I have a new activity that I can do to help me think of other things. I concentrate on five things that I am thinking about, five things that I can hear and when I open my eyes, I can look around for five things that I can see. I can focus on what is near me and my body. All this helps me to calm down. It helps me to start thinking about how to get out of the situation instead of letting it depress me”.

BHRC hosts group sessions for those accessing healthcare, social, and other harm reduction services. These meetings aim to foster communication among people who use drugs, which in turn promotes collective knowledge-sharing on safer practices and techniques. By speaking openly about their experiences, participants can develop a sense of resilience within their communities and establish peer support networks that combat the isolation often associated with drug use. As individuals come together to discuss different substances, they not only gain valuable insights but also learn from each other's successes and challenges. This exchange of information leads to a comprehensive understanding of various drug-related issues, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their own well-being as well as that of others around them.