Lose the booze this month to highlight substance abuse

SANCA Zululand encourages the youth to go ‘Ocsober’ this month to create awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol dependence.

Alcoholics can be of any age, background, income level, social or ethnic group.

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Alcoholism is a family disease that can ruin and disrupt family life and cause harmful effects that can last a lifetime.

Alcoholism has many victims, of which the most defenceless are children.

Instead of having loving and nurturing parents who create loving and lasting memories, such children have to survive with adults who are violent and unpredictable and who give in to their own desires.

These children face risks of mental health, trauma and substance abuse in their later adult years.

All these things negatively shape a child and ruin any relationship they want to have later in life.

South Africa’s alcohol consumption has increased, with the country now ranked as one of the top 20 drinking nations in the world.

This is according to a statistical update from the World Health Organisation, tracking alcohol consumption per capita across 194 countries.

More than a quarter of the drinking population in SA are considered binge drinkers, consuming at least 60 grams or more of pure alcohol in one session within a 30-day period.

South Africa has been highlighted as the worst country in the world for drunk driving, where as much as 58% of deaths on SA roads can be attributed to alcohol consumption.

If you or a loved one show any symptoms of alcoholism, contact SANCA for help.

Do not let yourself or a loved one become a statistic.

For more information, or for help with substance abuse, contact SANCA Zululand on 035 7723290.

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