Downtown-shuffle for sobriety
Sometimes, drug abuse can actually increase a user’s risk of developing a mental disorder.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) is running their drug awareness week from June 24 till June 28.
SANCA states that statistically between 2005 and 2009, drug and alcohol abuse had increased amongst South Africans by 200%.
In a survey conducted by SANCA’s national office, it was found that of the persons interviewed who were aged between 14 and 22 years, 60% were drug users, with the youngest heroin addict being only eight years old.
Alcohol, marijuana (dagga), cocaine, tik and heroin are some of the most frequently used substances in this country, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
The longer a substance addiction lasts, the more stress and strain it puts on the individual and, while different substances have different effects, depression, anxiety and paranoia are among the most common long-term results of substance abuse.
An added complication is that all substance abuse can lead to impulsive behaviour and poor judgement.
Alcohol abuse contributes to risky sexual behaviour, increasing the chances of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as liver diseases, neurological disorders, and chronic memory disorders, while opioids, such as morphine and the illegal drug heroin, can result in accidental overdose.
Sometimes, drug abuse can actually increase a user’s risk of developing a mental disorder.
eMalahleni has recently been ravaged by a spate of drug-related arrests, especially those pertaining to the use of nyaope and the sale of marijuana.
On June 22, a prayer and protest against drug abuse and addiction took place in eMalahleni’s Central Business District (CBD).
The march started at Leo’s Park, next to the long distance taxi rank close to Witbank Magistrate’s Court, and winded its way all the way up to the municipal building in Mandela Street.
The march and prayer’s stakeholders were Emalahleni Local Municipality, Greater Emalahleni Men at Work, SANCA, the South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW), Thuthuzela Moral Regeneration Movement, Thandolwethu Support Forum, the Department of Social Development, New Life Church, Gospel on Wheels, Extreme Buddies, Emalahleni Men’s Forum (EMF) and Emalahleni Women Against Substance Abuse (EWASA).
“The entire event was a huge success; this was the first of what will now become an annual event in our city. We will never stop fighting for these substance abusers. One by one we will assist them in their rehabilitation. Sekwanele manje!” exclaimed Maureen Scheepers, Operations Co-Ordinator for SACCW Witbank.
