Drug and alcohol awareness spread
MIDRAND - Ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse on 26 June, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group issued warning against alcohol and substance abuse.
The group said National Youth Risk Survey found that almost 14 percent of men and seven percent of women were initiated into drinking alcohol under the age of 13. Nationally, 59 percent of Grade 11s use alcohol, with 41.3 percent drinking regularly and 33.4 percent who binge drink. The group said, “Alcohol is embedded in our culture – and the youth in particular, often under peer pressure and no goals to pursue – see alcohol as an escape, a way to be part of something, to fit in.”
They said South African youth certainly do have a problem with alcohol consumption and the risks and negative consequences that come with it. Along with alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, comes all sorts of other risks like unsafe sex, leading to HIV infections, and getting into dangerous situations.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, Directorate: Substance Abuse, and CDA runs a dedicated substance abuse helpline providing counselling. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The group will also host forums on substance abuse for experts to advise the public.
Details: Substance abuse hotline 0800 12 13 14 or www.sadag.org or send a sms to 32312
