A former drug addict turned advocate is sharing her experiences with drug addiction in an effort to discourage drug abuse among the youth at Walvis Bay, Erongo Region.
In an exclusive interview with nbc News, Lindsay Ackerman revealed her journey as a former addict, focused on the critical issue of substance abuse among youth, and emphasised the need for effective preventive measures.
According to Ackerman, her drug use began in her teenage years, motivated by a desire for acceptance and an escape from her circumstances. Casual experimentation quickly turned into an addiction, leading to devastating losses, including friends, a job, a business and nearly her family.
Ackerman stressed that her difficult journey to recovery was filled with multiple rehabilitation attempts and relapses.
After she recognised that she was losing everything she valued, she decided to seek help and commit to her recovery process.
Ackerman is currently actively involved in community outreach programmes where she shares her story and offers support to those struggling with addiction.
She highlights the significance of early intervention and education to prevent young people from repeating her mistakes.
When asked about drug temptations, Ackerman explained that many young people start using drugs out of desperation due to unemployment, peer pressure, and the need to cope with stress or trauma; however, they often fail to recognise long-term consequences until it is too late.
Despite existing support groups and rehabilitation centres, Ackerman acknowledged that the cycle of addiction continues, hence she believes that there needs to be a greater emphasis on mental health support for young people, starting from age nine, to address root causes like trauma.
Ackerman expressed mixed feelings about law enforcement, noting their essential role in combating drug trafficking. However, she argued that treating addiction as a criminal issue can worsen the problem, suggesting a focus on rehabilitation instead.
Through her advocacy, Lindsay Ackerman hopes to prevent youth from succumbing to addiction and promote healthier choices among young people in her community.