NEWSLETTER - April 2025

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Cigarettes vs. Vaping

Although vaping has been around for a while now, there is still much to be understood about the habit. Research is trying to determine the long-lasting effects of vaping, but the outcome of this research is not yet definite. Most notably is that we do not yet know for sure of all the chemical ingredients used in vape products. Research conducted by John Hopkins university and published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology Journal (2021) found that vaping products tested contained thousands of ingredients, which included caffeine, a pesticide, and even a flavouring that is linked to respiratory irritation. What the research suggests is that people using vape products are exposing themselves up to chemicals that are not tested or understood.

Nicotine is a common ingredient in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, the harmful effects of which is well documented. Initially e-cigarettes were marketed as a tool to assist with smoking cessation. While this may be true for some, studies are revealing that most who use vape product for this reason end up using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

Across the globe, and in South Africa, youth are using vape products more and more readily. Some of the reasons for this include:

• vape products constitute a significantly lower cost than cigarettes,

• the lack of smoke makes vape products more ‘acceptable’

• or the idea that vaping is less harmful than regular cigarettes.

What is apparent is that many youths that might never have started smoking a nicotine product are now using a vape product. Much of this relates to the lack of understanding that the general public has about these products, and a very good marketing strategy that first introduced these vape products to the world.

Before you start, know the facts. And if you start, make sure that you know what you are using. Don’t use products that have come from ‘dodgy’ sources, rather stick to normal strength products instead of opting for extra-strength products. Finally, consider that possible difficulty that you will go through should you decide to stop a couple of years down the line… and how you might find it very difficult to do so.

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NEWS FLASH

#April 2025 saw the launch of the Elim Clinic Extended-Stay programme     

Some service users want or need to stay in a protected space for a longer period to stabilize their treatment programme. Elim Clinic is pleased to offer alternatives to those service users wanting longer-stay treatment as opposed to the usual 24 days. The programme allows for 12 or 24 week stays at the clinic, thus affording the service user the opportunity to strengthen their recovery progress whilst at the Centre. Furthermore, the programme is a structured bio-psycho-social intervention programme, and includes all costs related to treatment.

Contact Sonja or Lebo at Elim Clinic to learn more about this offering.

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Elim Clinic Out-Patient services

The structured out-patient programme is designed to give these service users the tools to enter recovery whilst working or studying.  The programme is offered over 9 sessions (including an assessment session) which can be accessed via face-to-face therapy, or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Contact Lebo/Karabo at Elim Clinic to learn more about this programme.

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Testimonial

Being at Elim Clinic I learnt more about myself, issues that are affecting my life. I have seen the importance of self-care and forgiveness. To make amends with the people that my drinking has affected. I now have a plan about my life and to avoid things that would trigger my drinking. Elim has reminded me about the importance of God and revived my spirit and faith in God. I know that I am not alone on this journey.

-Anonymous 04.04.2025

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April was Health Awareness month at Elim

If you missed our series on quick exercises, you can still find them on our TikTok, Instagram, and facebook pages. Exercise is a vital part of health awareness, and as such is something we should all be engaging in.

Set aside 10 minutes each day to do the simple exercises shown in our posts.

If you haven’t followed us on our social media pages, do so now. You will get a wealth of updates and knowledge about addiction and how to maintain recovery.

With a presence on all major social media platforms, the aim of the strategy is a voice in the narrative of effective and sustained recovery from addiction.

We invite you to follow us on: