A Windhoek resident, Mandla Paulus, has opened up about his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

In a brave and candid interview with nbc News, Paulus detailed how he achieved remaining sober for over 14 years.

 Mandla Paulus, 32, revealed that he has battled substance abuse for over two years, making him the talk of the township.

Paulus stated that his substance abuse led him to engage in unproductive activities such as picking fights with anyone who stared at him, which he found provocative in his drunken state at the time. 

Mandla stated that his late mother, younger brother, and the Book of God served as his biggest turning point and sources of support in his fight against alcohol. 

Paulus said that he always read the Bible to keep his focus away from entertainment and the wrong circle of friends.

According to Paulus, the loss of his late father triggered him to use substances in pursuit of filling up the void he felt.

Mandla also attributes his renewed life to his children.

In line with providing rehabilitation treatments for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, the Ministry of Health and Social Services provides rehabilitation centres.

One such is the Etegameno Rehabilitation Centre in Brakwater on the city's outskirts, as well as in-patient detoxification treatments at district hospitals.