A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR

A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR 

                                      

I recently had the opportunity to watch a DVD released by the Pretoria Branch of Community Pharmacists. The aim of the DVD appears to contribute to efforts in the prevention of substance abuse in South Africa. It quoted statistics released by the United Nations on drug abuse in South Africa. The following will get the attention of any concerned citizen of the country:

In 1995 it was estimated that there were 125 drug syndicates in South Africa. It increased to 438 in 2007 and in 2010 there were more than 700 syndicates in South Africa. Indeed an indication that drugs have a very lucrative income potential. But there is more!

From 1992 to 1995 drug abuse in South Africa increased with 600%. It is estimated that the increase since then rose to 1100%.  It also quoted the following figures –

21% of the population smoke dagga on a regular basis

60% of the dagga users will receive treatment in rehabilitation centres

27% of the population experiment with LSD, Mandrax and Ecstasy

37% of teenagers prefer parties where drugs will be used

42% of teenagers between 15 and 18 years will use heroin

42% of teenagers between 15 and 18 years will use “tik” as drug of preference in the Western Cape.

Even if the above figures were rough estimates, it still paints a bleak picture. One cannot help to ask questions about South Africa’s supply reduction strategies. Can we afford not to have a specialist drug policing unit? If we fail to address the huge increase in the influx of illegal drugs, we might end up like the Columbians and other South American States who are entangled in ongoing battles to protect their demo-cracies and the safety of their citizens.                      

  GHJ Kruger