By Seleoe Nonyane
The chief executive officer (CEO) of Sunrise Rehabilitation Centre, Sebabatso Potsane, Mokuku says Lesotho is facing a health crisis due to the absence of drug and alcohol facilities that provide structured environments where clients get uninterrupted treatment and support.
This prompted the establishment of Sunrise Rehabilitation Centre in 2020. However, the facility could not function properly at the time due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Now operational, Sunrise Rehabilitation Centre is a Non-profit Organisation which has signed a memorandum of association with a Johannesburg-based rehabilitation centre called Elim Clinic for in-patient treatment referrals.
Speaking to theReporter this week, Mokuku explained that the treatment is intended for patients with severe substance abuse problems who need hospitalisation.
Sunrise Rehabilitation Centre offers aftercare for patients who have successfully completed their treatment at Elim Clinic.
Elim Clinic is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre that has been around and treating patients with addiction problems for over 60 years.
Mokuku revealed that the reason for approaching the clinic was because they wanted to make sure that the facility aligns itself with a reputable facility that provides its clients with a world class service.
The plan is to eventually open an in-patient facility in the country in the near future, she noted.
She added that Sunrise also offers out-patient treatment to committed individuals with mild addiction problems and those who cannot afford medical fees for in-patient treatment.
“Out-patient treatment is flexible in that it allows patients to continue with their work and family commitments while in recovery,” she said.
Mokuku further pointed out that the use of drugs has become an epidemic throughout the world and Lesotho is no exception; therefore, as a nation, there is a need to recognise that the use of drugs and abuse of alcohol has negative consequences on the physical and mental well-being of individuals.
On top of that, she said, families and the entire nation get affected as the situation escalates because of the many social issues that emerge.
She emphasized that the rehabilitation facility provides a structured environment where individuals can receive medical care, detoxification, counselling and therapy.
Sunrise is founded on an African principle of “Ubuntu” or “Humanity,” she explained.
“We are an interdependent community and whenever one member of our community suffers because of an additional problem, we all suffer.
“Sadly, people who struggle with addiction often face discrimination and yet substance use disorder is a medical condition that can be managed and treated,” she indicated.
The centre would therefore work hard with other partners to destigmatise addiction.
The services that the centre offers are varied and include a comprehensive assessment of client’s needs – rapid drug testing services for families, workplaces, schools and individuals and outpatient treatment with tailor-made intervention plans for individuals.
The organisation also offers ongoing aftercare and relapse prevention, family support and co-dependency, spiritual counselling, and workplace substance use policies and procedures.
“We also offer consultancy services on a wide range of issues pertaining to addiction,” Mokuku said.
Asked how the facility will manage a high influx of clients, given that it is now the only operational facility of its kind in the country, Mokuku said since they were not an in-patient facility, they do not anticipate traffic that they cannot handle.
She said patients requiring in-patient treatment are immediately referred to Elim Clinic where they are admitted for a minimum of 21 days.
The centre operates an office at St Johns Anglican Church in Maseru premises where they meet with clients on scheduled appointments to discuss their challenges and needs, and to create personalised programmes that respond to those needs.
“The meetings are one-on-one and every client’s information is treated with respect and confidentiality. Our rehab facility has been established to assist any person who may be struggling with addiction and is serious about recovery.
“While we would like to make sure that our services can be accessed by everyone who needs them, we are cognisant of the fact that affordability will be a challenge for most people.
“That is why we would like to invite other organisations including donors to join hands with us,” she concluded. Mokluku can be reached on +266-57248155.
