With drugs being so freely available in the Laudium area, more and more local youth are falling prey to the scourge of drug abuse.
Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters – just about anyone could become a victim to the curse that has encumbered the community. One of the most agonizing experiences in life, is having to watch a loved one slowing succumbing to the scourge of drugs and alcohol, knowing in your heart that it will most likely result in the total destruction of both their lives and the lives of loved ones.
This is exactly what Angela Naidoo of Emerald Street, Laudium, had to endure. Speaking to the Laudium Sun, Angela (39) admitted to enabling her husband's CAT addiction for 17 years, only recently stopping within the last few months. Her story is one that is all too common in our local community, one of love, both genuine and misguided, and continued heartbreak.
Angela related that when she met her husband, Niven (41), 17 years ago, she had no idea that he had any problems with substance abuse. In fact, she said she once had addiction issues of her own and was so happy to find a man who loved her, regardless of her previous struggles.
"I loved him. I saw him for the man I thought he was," Angela said, adding that it didn't take long for her to fall head-over-heels for Niven. “I fell in love and we got married in 2001. But very quickly, I started to notice a change. Niven wasn't home as often as I would have liked. He would tell me he was going to chill with friends and come back 12 hours later," Angela recalled. "Sometimes he wouldn't come home for days, leaving me stranded without a car… but there was always an excuse. He had an excuse for everything. It just didn't seem right. I'm an honest person. I never lied to him. Why would he lie to me?" she asked. After some months into their marriage, Angela said she finally caught on. "He was addicted to CAT," she said.
"With drugs so freely available in the Laudium area, it wasn't hard for Niven to get his next fix. For the rest of my marriage, I tried to maintain a household and take care of our 2 children, making sure they had everything they needed. I put up with him even when our possessions would go missing from our home, which he helped himself to, probably for his next fix. I made excuses for him because I loved him, even though he often abused me physically, when he was high. But now, after 17 years enough is enough. I cannot go on living with the monster he has become. I got a restraining order against him last Monday (February 12) so that my children and I can finally live in peace," the former Aquamarine Street resident said, sobbing.
Angela has since moved to a new place on Emerald Street, whilst Niven is now living with his mother in Lotus Gardens. While they are still legally married, Angela said, "I won't take him back. I can't. I used to love him, but those feelings are gone. I gave this man everything I could, and I lost myself in the process. I just don't think I could ever take him back," she concluded despondently.
Niven refused to comment when contacted by the Laudium Sun.
*The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is on hand to assist drug users and those who want to kick the habit. They offer support to families and will try to assist in placing a drug user in suitable rehabilitation programs. The toll-free helpline number is 0800 121314, while SMS's can also be sent to 32312.
SADAG project director, Janine Shamos told, the Laudium Sun that many people were marginalized or at risk of substance abuse due to their life-circumstances. She added that addicts were made more vulnerable through drug use.
"This line offers support, guidance and help for people addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as their families, no matter where they are in South Africa," said Janine.
She added that substance abuse was a major problem in the country and that users were, shockingly, starting out younger all the time. “There is an impending need for youth empowerment and for youngsters to take control of their lives and not let drugs control them,” Janine concluded.
Angela Naidoo says she has escaped from a life of hell from her drug addicted husband.
Niven Naidoo, accused of drug abuse by his wife of 17 years, refused to comment.