Youth in the grip of drug abuse – SANCA
‘Dagga is still the most commonly abused illegal drug,' - SANCA Director, Shireen Sahadev
A DISTURBING 45% of clients helped in the past year by the SANCA Zululand Alcohol and Drug Help Centre are under the age 21.
Most of these are teens still in school who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, throwing a sharp spotlight on the formal educational environment.
These statistics came to light at the SANCA Zululand AGM held at St Catherine’s school hall on Thursday.
‘The statistics for the year revealed that alcohol remained the most common drug for which help was sought,’ said SANCA Director, Shireen Sahadev.
‘Dagga is still the most commonly abused illegal drug.’
Sahadev said the high percentage of young substance abusers was of grave concern.
‘When looking at teenage drug abuse it is important to note that the younger one is when starting regular abuse of habit forming drugs, the more likely one is to become addicted.’
SANCA Zululand is continuously holding therapeutic group sessions at school to ensure information is available to the youth.
Under pressure
SANCA Zululand chairman BM Mnguni was pleased that the organisation had passed evaluation by SANCA National during the year.
‘It is a strict and rigorous process that could result in disaffiliation if the organisation is found to be disregarding norms and standards,’ he said.
Nine SANCA organisations across the country, two of these in KZN, did not have their affiliation immediately approved.
‘One of our fellow KZN SANCA’s is likely to lose its affiliation. This could mean more work for us as we might be expected to take care of their service users,’ said Mnguni.
‘We are bracing ourselves for this eventuality.’
Mnguni thanked all the sponsors who have helped SANCA in the past year, and also expressed his gratitude to the hard working staff who continued to excel despite difficult financial decisions.
On the financial side, auditors Hills and Associates deemed all to be in order, and SANCA Zululand remains stable financially.
‘In conclusion I would like to thank our sponsors, both local and national. I cannot over emphasise the extent to which our sponsors strengthen our muscle in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. ‘
