Understanding substance abuse and addiction is South Africa

Introduction

Every year, drug and alcohol abuse costs South Africa’s economy billions of rand, but efforts to address the problem are hampered by a lack of money and a reluctance to adopt the most recent international perspectives on treating addiction as a medical disease.

One in five adults in South Africa, or about 20% of the population, consume mind-altering substances. The most common offenders are dagga, alcohol, and painkillers like codeine. Additionally, the country appears to be losing the fight on drugs, as evidenced by the rising rates of illicit drug usage.

According to a 2014 study in, the yearly cost of alcohol misuse alone to the nation in terms of absenteeism, lost productivity, health and welfare expenses, and alcohol-related criminality is projected to be as high as 10% of GDP, or as much as R37.9 billion.

Substance abuse is an enormous social problem in South Africa

Like everywhere else, substance misuse is a huge social problem that is getting worse every day in South Africa.

As per the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), among of the most often used substances in this country are alcohol, marijuana (dagga), cocaine, tik, and heroin. When it comes to treating substance misuse and addiction, there is no silver bullet, but patients and their families can get support.

What motivates individuals to abuse drugs?

Addiction disorders and substance abuse are more common in some people than in others. According to Acker, “there are many factors that may make people vulnerable, including mental health issues, work stress, financial pressure, and family background.”

“Despite the fact that substance addiction is counterproductive in the long run, these characteristics may cause the individual at risk to regard it as a coping mechanism. Peer pressure is one of the other variables that may be present, especially in situations where substance abuse is the norm. Other elements that may also be present include boredom, a lack of purpose in life, depressive, anxious, and powerless sentiments.

How does drug abuse and addiction affect society in South Africa?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a serious problem in South Africa that impacts people on an individual, family, and community level.

Drug misuse, including the abuse of opioids, methamphetamines, and marijuana, has surged recently, contributing to an increase in crime, poverty, and health problems.

It is critical that South African society acknowledge the seriousness of drug usage and addiction and take appropriate steps to address this issue.

Communities, organisations, and the government may all work together to lessen the detrimental impacts of drug usage and addiction while also enhancing the lives of people, families, and communities all around the nation.

• Increase in Crime. An increase in crime is one of the main consequences of drug misuse in South Africa. A large number of drug addicts turn to criminal activity as a means of funding their addiction. This may cause a rise in violent crimes, theft, and break-ins in areas where drug usage is common.
• Contribution to poverty. Drug addiction is a contributing factor to poverty in South Africa, as many addicts find it difficult to maintain their families and themselves. Financial difficulties and a greater demand on the welfare system may result from this.
• Impact on your health. Furthermore, substance misuse has a serious negative effect on people’s and communities’ health. Drug addiction has been linked to heart disease, liver damage, depression, and other physical and mental health issues. Additionally, because drug users may participate in dangerous behaviours like sharing needles, it can raise their risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases.

Steps to alleviate drug abuse and addiction

• Expand the number of people who can receive programmes for rehabilitation and therapy if they are addicted. For those who are addicted to opioids, this may entail offering medication-assisted treatment in addition to counselling and therapy.
• Address the underlying issues that lead to drug usage, such as unemployment and poverty. Individuals can be given the tools they need to end the cycle of addiction and poverty by offering programmes for education and job training.
• Raise public awareness of the risks associated with drug consumption and the need of getting addiction treatment. Addiction-related stigma can be lessened and people can be encouraged to seek help by implementing education efforts that cater to both adults and youth.
• Boost law enforcement initiatives to stop the distribution and trafficking of drugs. The supply of drugs can be decreased and the root causes of drug dependence can be addressed by taking tough measures against illegal drug traffickers.

Indications and indicators to watch out for

A drug or alcohol addiction can manifest in yourself or someone you love by displaying some or all of the following physical, psychological, and social signs and symptoms:

• Skin colour changes, weight loss, and breakouts.
• Strong desires or urges as the addiction grows.
• Symptoms of withdrawal that result in poor performance and physical cravings
• Depression, anxiety, paranoia, and isolation
• Unhealthy relationships with pals that share the same vices
• Financial issues brought on by excessive drug and alcohol purchases
• Bad judgement, which includes risky activities including lying, stealing, having sex too soon, selling drugs, or committing crimes that could put them in jail

Which kinds of treatments are offered?

Organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependences (SANCA) provide outpatient programmes. Addiction clinics across the nation offer both shorter-term inpatient programmes (21 to 30 days) that include detoxification and longer-term programmes (90 days to a year or more). Akeso Clinics, for instance, provides an inpatient course that uses a multidisciplinary team approach and focuses on addictions and other psychiatric conditions (dual diagnosis).

According to Acker, recurrence is quite prevalent, the recovery process is lifelong, and there is no secret to success. “For this reason, it’s critical that addicts have access to support networks, continual counselling, and therapy, as well as a partner for accountability.

Encourage a friend or family member to get professional help if you think they are addicted. Try not to act that formal yourself. Remind yourself that substance use disorder is a sickness and offer support. Set limits, avoid being manipulated, and refrain from doing any actions that would encourage the disorder. Make sure the family attends support sessions as well; they can be educational and beneficial.