Trapped in the grip of addiction and anger

Prince’s addiction to dagga started when he changed schools. His friends pressured him into smoking dagga and told him that it would help him control his short temper.

“I was five years old when my father passed on. My mother left us in the homelands to look for a job. I did not understand why she had to leave. From then, I had a short temper and became angry.

I recall an incident when I pointed a knife at my sister and threatened to kill her. I was easily annoyed and when I fought with people, I did not stop until I saw blood. I was in grade 9 when I became addicted to dagga. I made friends with the wrong crowd and they introduced me to smoking dagga.

Every time I smoked, I felt at ease. I smoked before leaving home in the morning. I smoked before classes started. I later moved in with my mother, but I continued smoking.

A member of the Universal Church invited me to attend services there. I asked an assistant for help and I told him that I was struggling to overcome my addiction. I engaged in the chains of prayers for my deliverance.

I was able to stop smoking dagga for three months but I relapsed. I could not bear the disappointment on my mother’s face when she found out I was smoking again. During a Wednesday service, I made a vow to God that I would stop smoking. The cravings for dagga stopped completely.

My life is now pleasant. I am free from addiction. I am no longer short tempered and I am not an angry person. I no longer fight with people. I am working in a good job. I want to help others who are in the same situation as I was. My family is pleased with me,” said Prince.