Five of the most common drugs
JOHANNESBURG – The South African Depression and Anxiety Group receives between 200 and 400 calls per day to the 24-hour substance abuse helpline.
South Africa together with the rest of the world united in support of those suffering from substance addiction.
As the world commemorates the annual Substance Abuse Awareness Day on 26 June, drug and alcohol addicts are urged to seek help.
The National Department of Social Development has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and they have been running a 24-hour substance abuse helpline for over 10 years. According to the group, it is important to reach people who have issues with drug, alcohol or other addictions. They said there are now many options for those who don’t have resources or don’t know how to get help such as the free helpline and SMS and online counselling.
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The group’s national operations director, Cassey Chambers, said they receive between 200 and 400 calls per day to the 24-hour helpline. “The majority of callers are loved ones and family members looking for help on treatment, coping skills and support groups.
“Many of the callers cannot afford private care or treatment, but often explaining what resources are available and how to access those services can really help families deal with substance abuse issues.”
In South Africa, people sometimes deal with the effects of substance abuse on a daily basis and often many struggle to cope.
According to the group, some people living with mental illness or suffering from a previous trauma find themselves turning to substances in a misguided attempt to treat the symptoms of their illness or reduce the side effects of their prescribed medication.
Clinical psychologist Zamo Mbele said unfortunately, while some may feel a sense of relief at first, using substances interferes with psychiatric medication, which may lead to relapse and hospitalisation. He said substance abuse can have an impact on communities and families adding that it has many negative effects on the youth themselves. “Often people who are suffering from a substance abuse problem do not go and get help by themselves. This is why Sadag has made it easier for you and your loved ones to access help.”
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Mbele said anyone in need of help for any dependency or addiction to drugs, alcohol or over the counter addictions, or anyone who has a loved one struggling to cope, can contact the group for free services on 080 012 1314.
Here are the five most common drugs:
Alcohol: Typical heavy drinkers who continue drinking regardless of the results.
Dagga: A green plant-like substance derived from the dagga plant.
Nyaope: A cocktail of dagga, heroin, antiretroviral drugs, rat poison and acid. It is a fine white powder that is usually combined with dagga and smoked.
Heroin: Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.
Tik: A white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. A powerful addictive stimulant that drastically affects the central nervous system.
In light of Substance Abuse Awareness Day, the group is hosting a free #FacebookFriday Online Question and Answer on 29 June. Psychiatrist Dr Prudence Molete alongside psychologist Debbie Howes will be answering all your questions on substance abuse.
Details: research@anxiety.org.za
