Drug Addiction South Africa Leading SA Rehab Centre Takes A Look:
No one can ignore the fact that alcohol, drug abuse and drug addiction are on the rise. Not only in our country but throughout the world.
While the latest, accurate statistics are very difficult to access. The latest local stats we managed to source were dated 2016) government and NGO’s cannot be outrightly blamed for this. It’s also due to the clandestine nature of the epidemic and the stigma imposed upon those affected by the disease of addiction.
Addiction does not Discriminate
Let’s be clear that substance addiction does not discriminate. Addiction and alcohol or drug including prescription drug addictions treatment are prevalent across all races, genders and social strata. Addiction affects everyone from teachers, scholars, fire and policemen. Even single parents, artisans, musicians, lawyers, accountants, the homeless, bricklayers, investors, chefs, property magnates fall prey to addiction. But why is this?
In this fast-paced, pressured, competitive and technologically fervent world individuals turn to drugs to escape their reality, relax, reward themselves or fit in with those doing the same.
Alcohol is the primary Drug of Choice
As it is legally and socially acceptable alcohol remains the primary drug of abuse in South Africa and alcohol is reportedly responsible for nearly half of all motor accidents in our country. It is said to affect 17.5 million SA citizens1 but we will have to deal with this problem in a future article. Back to the drugs.
No One is Immune
As mentioned before no one is immune to the, often euphoric, effects of drugs or alcohol. In South Africa, as in all over the world, there is a myriad of addictive substances leading to drug abuse. Which include dagga (or marijuana – some statistics state that in 2006, South Africans spent R3, 5 billion on dagga1.
According to a report in 2007 by the Gauteng Drug Awareness Team, the youngest drug dealer apprehended was an eight-year-old boy within an affluent suburb of Gauteng).
Mandrax (methaqualone – of which South Africa is the largest user in the world).
Ecstasy (it is estimated that one ton of ecstasy is produced in SA every year with close on 110 000 users who pay R610 million for it every year1).
Cocaine (The number of South Africans in treatment for cocaine addiction increased from 1.5% in 1996 to 17.5% in 20081).
Crack, methamphetamine (tik – the drug of choice for 42% of Cape town users).
Heroin (In 1996, 1% of the South African population were in treatment for heroin abuse while in 2008 those in treatment for this addiction increased between 8 – 24%1)
Not forgetting, or ignoring prescription drugs, dissociative drugs, hallucinogens and inhalants.
Addiction is Real and on the Rise
It is clear that substance abuse and addiction is real and on the rise. That’s why drug rehabs like Houghton House provide addicts with addictions treatment and therapy. By trained counsellors that have gone through the experience of moving from active substance abuse to recovery and are able to personally relate to patients challenges. At our treatment facility, we have embraced the Minnesota Model. Which is an effective holistic treatment model in drug rehabs encompassing the twelve steps approach.
Together with the expertise of therapeutic alcohol or drug medical professionals. Our counsellors have hands-on experience with the twelve steps, addiction treatment, dependency. As well as recovery processes and techniques. Our dedicated care also covers the dual diagnosis of any other psychiatric conditions. That often accompany alcoholism, alcohol addiction, drug addiction or prescription drug addiction. Such as depression or other anxiety disorders.
Helping people to regain their lives, since 1995.
Reference:- http://www.theaac.co.za/what-is-addiction/statistics