Taking a stand against drug abuse

AS substance abuse statistics continue to rise in South Africa, SANCA is calling on the country to participate in International Overdose Day tomorrow (Friday), by wearing silver.

The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, to remove the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, and to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends of those who have died as a result of drug overdose.

According to the United Nations World Drug Report (2014), 7% of South Africans abuse narcotics of some kind.

One in 14 people are regular users, meaning 3.74 million people (taken as a percentage of the 2013 population).

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SANCA reported a 35% increase in admissions to 30 treatment centres over the last 12 years, reflecting the increase in substance abuse at national level.

Over two years, from April 2016 to April 2018, SANCA nationally treated more than 24 000 patients.

The majority (75%) were treated at SANCA outpatient centres while the remaining 25% were treated at SANCA inpatient centres.

The highest density of admissions (41%) is in the 22–35 year age group, with the second largest group being 14–17-year-olds.

Alarmingly, there has been an increase in the 4–13 age group, which accounts for 3% of substance abusers.

This is significant as it implies an earlier onset age of substance abuse.

SANCA highlighted the fact that it is not only illegal narcotics to which people can become addicted, but prescription and over-the-counter medication as well.

The organisation urged people to always read the labels and warnings, to use the measuring tool provided, and not to mix and match different medications.

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