Rise in Women’s Substance Use Leads to New Support Group

Over the past year, 53% of Substance Use related calls to the SADAG Substance Abuse Helpline have come from women. This highlights a growing need for support that speaks to women’s experiences.

Many are dealing with Substance Abuse while also facing Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and other daily pressures.

A new Support Group for Women Navigating Substance Use and Recovery will launch on Thursday, 7 May at 7pm.

The Group will continue to meet on the first and third Thursday of every month.

It will be hosted online on Jitsi, a simple, low data platform that is easy to access and does not require any registration or fees.

Addressing the link between substance use and mental health

For many women, Substance Use is closely linked to Mental Health.

It can begin as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations, and over time it may start to affect their daily life.

“I started this Support Group because women who use substances are often judged and excluded. Many fear losing their jobs, their children, or their homes, so they avoid seeking help. At the same time, they face high levels of violence, abuse, and Trauma, with Substance Use often becoming a way to cope,” says Support Group Leader Yolande.

Recovery can be hard, especially when women face stigma, fear, and everyday responsibilities. Mental Health support can make the process easier.

“When Mental Health is not addressed, Substance Use often continues as a way to cope with distress. Supporting women with skills like emotional regulation and healthier coping strategies can reduce the risk of relapse and it can help them manage challenges in a more helpful way,” says SADAG Substance Abuse Coordinator Tebogo Ramadiro.

A space for shared experience and support

Women already in Support Groups speak about the difference it makes.

“When you are dealing with Substance Abuse as well as Anxiety or Depression, it can feel very lonely. I always look forward to my Support Group meetings because I have people I could talk to. In every meeting, someone has shared advice or their own story, and that has helped me cope. This is not just another group to me, it is a place of hope,” says Lisa.

This Group recognises that recovery looks different for each woman.

It offers a steady place to return to, no matter where someone is in their own journey.

How to join and access support

For more information on how to join this Group, please contact Yolande on 073 867 4360.

To explore other SADAG Support Groups, visit https://www.sadag.org

If you or anyone you know is struggling with Substance Use, contact our WhatsApp Chat Line on 087 163 2025 (8 am-5 pm) or call our SADAG Helpline 0800 12 13 14, and a SADAG Counsellor will call you back.

ENDS.

For more information, interviews with the Support Group Leader or other experts, please contact:

Omphile Tshake This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 076 145 9220

Vuyolwethu Mnisi This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 066 215 3220