Like an unwanted guest at a party, addiction often arrives without warning and often takes root long before anyone notices. At Ramot, a holistic alcohol, pill and drug addiction treatment facility in Bellville, Cape Town, the team sees this reality every day. They work not only with the symptoms of addiction, but with the pain and pressure that lead people there in the first place.
As South Africa reflects on the realities of drug abuse during SANCA Drug Awareness Week and the upcoming International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, the realities of substance abuse and the role communities can play in the prevention and healing process are more prevalent than ever.
Johannes Janse van Rensburg, manager at Ramot, shares how addiction is impacting young people, what recovery really demands, and how faith, family, and community can carry someone through a crisis.
READ MORE: Johan’s story of hope after drug addiction
‘We’re seeing it start younger than in previous years’
Johannes explains, “We’ve observed a steady increase in cases involving alcohol, dagga, and the misuse of prescription medication. We’re also seeing it start younger than in previous years.”
Not only are substances more accessible than ever but, more concerning, says Johannes, is the emotional backdrop against which these choices are made. “Many young people feel disconnected or disillusioned. They use substances to cope with emotional or social challenges. And the way substance use is normalised on social media only worsens the problem.”
Behind the statistics are people who simply want to belong
“We often see that substance use disorder is rooted in unresolved emotional pain,” Johannes says. “Trauma, neglect, and untreated mental health issues are common underlying factors.”
In communities where poverty, violence, or instability are part of daily life, addiction can seem like the only way to survive. “But we also need to recognise that substance use disorder affects people regardless of background or income,” he adds. “Peer pressure and the deep human need for belonging play a significant role.”
This is why Ramot’s focus is never just on the addiction itself. “We try to heal the whole person,” he says. “Because it’s not just about what someone’s using. It’s about what they’re running from, and what they’re trying to find.”
‘We want people to leave not just sober, but supported too’
As part of the larger Badisa organisation, Ramot doesn’t work in isolation. “Being part of Badisa strengthens our ability to deliver holistic care,” Johannes explains. “Through Badisa’s extensive network of social services, we can connect our clients to broader support structures such as child welfare, reintegration assistance, and mental health services.”
The result is a safety net that continues to support someone long after their formal treatment ends.
“Addiction is not always the result of poor choices or a lack of willpower,” Johannes says. “Substance use disorder is a complex medical condition, often linked to trauma, emotional pain, and mental health issues.”
Recovery, he explains, isn’t just about stopping the use of a substance. It’s about rebuilding a life, creating new coping mechanisms, and developing a sense of purpose.
And perhaps most importantly, it isn’t something that happens in isolation. Johannes explains, “Recovery happens through connection, compassion, and consistent support.”
Stories of hope
The stigma surrounding addiction is real. But some people, Johannes says, have been courageous enough to share their journeys publicly, and their stories continue to inspire.
“Denver van der Bergh came to Ramot through a workplace intervention, after more than 20 years of addiction. During his stay, he developed the tools to manage his triggers, rebuild his routine, and rediscover purpose. He embraced the principles of Serenity Prayer and committed to our aftercare programme.”
Denver has now been sober for over five years. What started as daily walks during treatment turned into a passion for running. “He has completed multiple marathons and has also recently participated in the 2025 Comrades Marathon.”
Another story is that of Pieter Wagenaar, a pharmacist who once lost everything to addiction and ended up begging on the streets. “Through his recovery journey at Ramot, he not only regained his health and dignity, but also managed to restore his professional registration.”
“These are stories of restoration and grace. They remind us of what’s possible when someone is given the tools and the time to try again”, says Johannes.
‘Hope shows itself in small victories’
Hope is rarely a dramatic transformation. Rather, it often looks like small victories such as choosing recovery after a relapse, celebrating a sobriety milestone and waking up with a renewed sense of purpose.”
Hope, says Johannes, “is the courage someone shows by walking through our doors for the first time. It’s when their lowest point becomes the foundation from which they rebuild. Recovery isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.”
Recovery happens within community
Like many non-profit organisations, Ramot operates in an unpredictable economic landscape. “One of our biggest challenges is financial sustainability,” Johannes explains. “Substance use treatment centres are often the last to receive corporate donations, despite addiction being a root cause of broken homes, unemployment, and societal distress.”
That’s why community partnerships are so vital. “Recovery happens within community. Churches, businesses, and individuals can support us by offering job opportunities, funding scholarships, raising awareness, or even just standing with us in encouragement and prayer.”
‘Leave people better than you found them’
“I was raised with the principle that everyone deserves dignity, no matter their circumstances,” says Johannes. “And I live by the philosophy of leaving people better than you found them.”
That same ethos defines the culture at Ramot. “Whether someone is seeking sobriety or growing professionally, we believe in building people up,” he says. “Our team functions like a family – from the cleaners to senior management, we share a vision. Where there is unity, God commands a blessing.”
“For us, the most rewarding moments are when we see broken families reconnect, relationships heal, and individuals rebuild their connection with God. Ramot is not just about substance use disorder; it’s about guiding people to their true potential.” From there our Ramot slogan.
‘A new life, a new beginning’
To anyone still struggling, Johannes offers this advice:
“If you are struggling with substance use disorder, please know you are not alone, and there is hope. Recovery takes effort and courage, but it is possible.”
And it all starts with the first step: reach out.
To find out more about Ramot, visit www.ramot.org.za
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