In Grahamstown on Sunday 28 June, you can hear former SA Air Force flight engineer Alan Philpott speak about his struggle against alcohol abuse. Friday 26 June was Substance Abuse Awareness Day. With South Africa’s drug consumption double the world average, the phenomenon is a serious social problem. Read more.
In Grahamstown on Sunday 28 June, you can hear former SA Air Force flight engineer Alan Philpott speak about his struggle against alcohol abuse. Friday 26 June was Substance Abuse Awareness Day. With South Africa’s drug consumption double the world average, the phenomenon is a serious social problem. Read more.
An instantly addictive drug with only a three percent rehabilitation rate is being actively marketed in South African townships, according to researchers.
The abuse of substances such as tik, Nyaope and alcohol is devastating society, aggravating poverty and crime, and contributing to homelessness, child abuse and gender violence.
"Yet it remains, for the most part, an invisible problem: we don’t want to see it, so we don’t," says psychologist Neill Amoore.
“Many of us affected by substance abuse keep it hidden, ashamed of what people in our communities will say.”
Increasingly popular – and destructive – is Nyaope: a mixture of marijuana and heroin, that is causing inestimable damage among township youth.
Also called Sugars, Palanza, and Kwape, this lethal drug makes the path from dagga to heroin much easier.
Prices of this instantly addictive drug have also come down and it is far more affordable to lower-income groups.
In one year, the percentage of users has doubled in South Africa and it is now marketed specifically in townships.
Possibly one of the saddest facts is that the rehabilitation rate is less than 3%, according to Dr Dorothy Malaka of the University of Limpopo.
Malaka has been a partner in research projects under the auspices of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Five years ago, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) opened a dedicated substance abuse line to its call centre.
“For five years – seven days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day – the counsellors to the line have dedicated themselves to helping South Africa’s often forgotten population – people affected by substance abuse," says Sadag’s Cassey Chambers
“There are not many options for families in rural or disadvantaged areas,” said Chambers.
“Clinics, rehabilitation centres, counsellors – these are often only accessible physically and financially to wealthier or more urban patients.”
Sadag’s counselling line gives all South Africans the chance to get support, information and advice about how to cope with substance abuse.
Sadag and the Department of Social Development, also do community talks at schools, and to health professionals, and community members.
Sadag also trains interested community members to become Support Group leaders in their communities.
Peer training and support is a powerful option to help our most vulnerable sectors of society.
Sadag has more than 120 support groups around all nine provinces.
Through Sadag-established support groups, communities have access to help, resources, information and support previously denied to them.
This gives communities a voice against substance abuse, and a voice for support and awareness about the true costs of substance abuse in South Africa and in their communities.
Drug abuse in South Africa is fast becoming a big problem, according to the Central Drug Authority’s Dr David Bayever, who says that up to 15% of South Africans abuse drugs.
The CDA was established as an advisory body under the Department of Social Development to assist in the fight against substance abuse.
"For too long, we have turned a blind eye or perceived substance abuse as someone else’s problem or something that happens to other people," Bayever said.
"Now, through Sadag and the Department of Social Development’s line, South Africans can all get help and a trained voice at the end of a line, no matter where they are in the country.”
HOW TO GET HELP The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) runs a 24-hour counselling and referral line for loved ones, families, communities and individuals affected by substance abuse. Call 0800 12 13 14 FREE or SMS 32312.
Or visit www.sadag.org for more information.
How to help a loved one
· Try not to panic! Stay calm and don’t fight with them
· Never confront them if they are still drunk or high. Wait until the effects wear off and then approach them
· Support them but don’t fund their habit – cut off money, don’t pay bills
· Discuss the issues – don’t fight the person – listen to what they have to say.
· Explain why you are worried and tell them how you feel as calmly as possible.
· Don’t try to handle it alone – they need professional help. Always.
· Support and love them but make sure they know that drug use is not acceptable.
· Don’t lie to friends and family – tell the truth.
· If you ignore the situation it won't go away.
· Look after yourself and the rest of your family.
BACK ON THE FLIGHT PATH
On Sunday 28 June former SA Air Force flight engineer Alan Philpott will speak in Grahamstown about recovering from the effects of fighting in South Africa's bush war – including a lifestyle of heavy drinking.
Philpott, who now works at 43 Air School in Port Alfred, will be the guest speaker at a free motivational talk following a service at the Wesley Methodist Church on the corner of Market and York Streets.
Alde Meyer will be the minister leading the service, which starts at 9am.
Alan Philpott will speak at 11am and tea and coffee will be served afterwards.
