International Overdose Awareness Day   |02 September 2023

Participants taking part in the walk organised by DSAPTR to commemorate the International Overdose Awareness Day (Photos: Contributed)

Division for substance abuse prevention organises empowering walk

In commemoration of International Overdose Awareness Day, the division for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation conducted a sensitisation walk on Thursday afternoon. The day is commemorated on August 31 every year.

The primary objective of the walk was to raise awareness about the grave consequences of drug overdoses, which can tragically lead to loss of life.

The walk began at the division for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation (DSAPTR) headquarters in Mont Fleuri and ended at the medical assisted treatment clinic (MAT) English River, in the ex-SNYC compound.

Harm reduction manager at DSAPTR, Adele Sanguilon, mentioned that the march sought to remember those who have lost their lives through overdose, and also acknowledge the grief of family and friends they have left behind. It was also meant to educate the public on the matter.

“We want to spread some hope to the families so they know they are not alone and there are individuals who care,” said Ms Sanguilon.

She also mentioned that first aiders and many people in the health sector, who have encountered individuals who have died from an overdose, bear guilt and regret, wondering whether they could have done more to help. Ms Sanguilon said they expected a bigger turnout but they have done the essential in proceeding with their agenda nonetheless.

Ms Sanguilon believes the general public does not see overdose as an alarming issue but through their Facebook page and interviews they conducted last week, they have acknowledged that there are some who are genuinely concerned. “It is not a large number of people as we expected but we understand that there are those who may be grieving in silence and there is another possibility that they are unaware of where to go.”

The head of harm reduction at DSAPTR thanked their partners for their faithful collaboration namely, Care, Sifco, Up Brigade, Haso, Air Seychelles, the Ministry of Education and the Seychelles Police Force.

In an interview with Seychelles NATION, Michel Bristol, who is a recovering addict and has been sober for over half a decade, mentioned that being an addict means being in a constant mental battle. A person’s image as a human being is diminished amongst the public. He added that the struggle sometimes ends tragically and sometimes there are those like him who manage to escape the darkness. Bristol believes that if someone feels they are in a difficult situation, making the first leap to seek help can go a long way in potentially saving their life.

He also mentioned that DSAPTR emphasises greatly on raising awareness on addiction and drug overdose. He also said that to recover from drug addiction one must be willing to change one’s mindset and take the efforts of those who are supporting them seriously through their recovery process. He concluded by saying that finding faith in God can also inspire great strength in battle with addiction and recovery.

Neil Sirame