This group was founded by Mr Graham Moore of Johannesburg, who, after leaving drug rehabilitation and entering back into the outside world, realised that there was no form of support for either himself to remain accountable, or for his family to be educated about the challenges of recovery.
The aim of the group is to invite recovering addicts and their families suffering from the consquences of any form of substance abuse or addiction, to talk about their challenges in a non-threatening environment where everyone in the group is talking from their own personal experiences.
HEAL has grown to the extent that there are now 16 groups operating mostly in the Johannesburg area, but with four groups in KZN: Ramsgate, Westville, Kloof and Hilton.
Sue Bentley and Dorothy Marshall, facilitate the Hilton group which meets every Wednesday evening on an ongoing basis, at the HCF Church, opposite Grace College School, from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Entrance is free.
The group focuses on educating and empowering families about addiction and about such concepts as denial, setting boundaries, enabling, co-dependency etc. Most people are completely ignorant about these concepts, and of how their own behaviours can in fact cause the addiction to continue.
HEAL also provides information on rehabilitation centres, court procedures, drug testing procedures, relapse prevention plans etc.
The group is run on Christian principles, but is open to all members of the community regardless of their faith.
The groups are not restricted to substance/alcohol abuse issues, but are for all types of addiction, including gambling, eating disorders etc. Heal works best when the family unit is working together towards a common goal.
More information can be found on the Heal website www.healministries.com.
Heal is a Public Benefit Organisation PBO.No. 930033128.