He is passionate about helping drug addicts fight their addiction. Ever since he conquered his demons, healing others has been his calling. Founder of Tranquility Home Rehabilitation Clinic in Midrand, Johannesburg, Gibson Manick Kistan (62) has helped thousands of addicts since opening the clinic in 2010. He has also helped to rehabilitate Moja Love's Ready To Quit participants. The Qualified Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator from ETQA SETA, also holds a BA in Law from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. "With all my education, the game of life has been my biggest teacher,' he says. "I am passionate about giving hope to the many hopeless addicts and their families. Transforming broken souls and giving them a sense of purpose,' Gibson tells ZiMoja.

TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE

A former addict himself, Gibson decided to stay clean 22 years ago and has not looked back. "I am a recovering alcoholic with 22 years of sobriety. When I was 10 years sober, I felt that it was my calling to work with alcoholics and addicts full-time. Hence, I decided to open a rehab,' he says. With limited resources and knowledge, he started the process in 2010. "Tranquillity Clinic was eventually registered with the Department of Social Development as a Rehabilitation Clinic in 2012.' He offers Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation treatment for substance Abuse for both male and female adults over 18 years old.

WHEN ONE DECIDED TO GET HELP

In the first year, he averaged 10 patients per month and then gradually increased to an average of 25 patients per month. "Currently we average 40 patients per month. We have acquired bigger premises in Glenferness, Midrand.' When addicts arrive at the rehabilitation clinic, they are faced with many challenges. "Addiction is a disease of denial. Overcoming the objections to acceptance that they are addicts is the initial challenge,' he says. "Alcohol and drug withdrawal, Medical detoxification mitigates the risk to life-threatening consequences and immediate relapse,' he adds. "The craving is unbearable and professional medical protocols assist in weaning the drugs from their system. Further, some patients slip into psychosis that requires psychiatric interventions.' Gibson says that patients Previously diagnosed with depression who have stopped taking their medication are motivated to continue. "Others need psychiatric assessments and reviews.'

THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF A REHAB

Many perceive rehab as a prison and a punitive institution. "Tranquility has a homely, caring, and loving environment. Many of our Addiction Counsellors are recovering addicts that the patients can relate to,' he says. "We understand that most patients experienced trauma that has never been successfully treated. Depression is but one of the consequences. Our professional team of Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists make the necessary interventions.' 

REJOINING SOCIETY

By the time they leave the clinic, they would have removed Physical cravings. "They would have accepted that they are addicts and they should not use mood-altering substances again,' Gibson says. "They will have a sense of peace and hope after our holistic treatment. They learn to take accountability for their actions by not blaming others. They will earn the willingness to make amends to those that they harmed,' h adds. "They will have a Relapse Prevention Toolkit to maintain sobriety. They will enjoy Lifestyle changes by changing their thoughts and actions. They will learn a greater sense of their purpose in life. We also introduce them to Aftercare Programme and Support Groups.' After leaving the clinic and getting the help, Gibson says a new wave of challenges may arise. "They need to continue working the Recovery program, find a mentor (Sponsor), attend support group meetings, maintain a connection with Counsellors, read recovery literature to avoid relapsing,' he says. "They need to now work on their finances. Paying debts and ongoing lifestyle financial needs. Building careers, resuming studies, job losses, and finding a job. Repairing broken relationships and Reintegration into family, society, and work environment,' he concludes.