With the rise in substance abuse in South Africa and hospital emergency rooms are filling up with casualties.
SADAC reports that alcohol, marijuana (dagga), cocaine, crack cocaine, tik (methamphetamine or meth), and heroin are some of the most frequently abused substances in South Africa.
What are the causes of substance abuse in South Africa
Here are some causes of substance abuse in South Africa;
- poverty
- unemployment
- lack of recreational facilities
- being in the company of substance abusers
- long shifts at work
- boredom
- work pressures
Substance abuse often pairs with other mental health problems, like schizophrenia, panic disorders, or depression.
After the Covid pandemic, people are tryng to cope with their stress by “self-medication”, abusing alcohol, prescription and/or illegal substances.
All of the above can be cited as factors causing the abuse of these substances.
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse
Symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction include physical, psychological, social, and behavioral signs such as:
- Neglecting work or family responsibilities
- Financial difficulties caused by large amounts of money being spent on drugs or alcohol
- When addiction develops, a person feels intense urges or cravings
- Skin outbreaks
- weight loss
- skin color change
- Friendships with people who have similar habits that are unhealthy
In addition to bad judgment, a person may engage in risky behaviors such as stealing, lying, having unsafe sex, selling drugs, and other crimes that could land them in prison.
Sadly, illegal street drugs are also available in prisons.
Substance abuse pictures
Pictures of methamphetamine and cat, illegal street drugs, which are crushed and sniffed using a trimmed straw.
Social factors that contribute to substance abuse
Social factors that contribute to Substance Abuse
- Child abuse and neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Children perceive their parents’ approval of substance use
- Parents’ low level of education
- Low parental socioeconomic status
- Deviant peer relationships
- Popularity and peer pressure
- Bullying
- Gang affiliation.
What can we do about the Substance Abuse problem in South Africa ?
There are several ways we can address alcoholism and substance abuse.
One approach is to create awareness about the harms of substance abuse.
Registered drug and alcohol rehabs have anti-substance campaigns called outreach programs, where the rehab staff educate the local communities about the dangers of addiction.
Encouraging open and honest conversations about alcoholism and substance abuse. Contact me here to get information on how to get help for addiction and alcoholism. It’s never too late to get professional help.
Colleen
