PRESS RELEASE
19 June 2013
Make health your “new high” in life, not drugs
While South African drug abuse statistics are alarmingly inconsistent, Cathy Vos, Co-ordinator, SANCA National, says it is clear that drug abuse is on the rise, particularly amongst youngsters.
Recent reports from Health Systems Trust suggest that cannabis and Mandrax are the most commonly used illicit drugs, and that between 70-80 percent of the world's consumption of Mandrax (Methaqualone) occurs in South Africa. “Add to that the ‘locally formulated’ drug whoonga, along with the rising use of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy and you have a recipe for destruction and early death,” says Vos.
Whoonga – also called wunga or nyaope – is a potent and highly addictive mixture of marijuana, heroin and HIV medications. “The mixture costs around R20 on the streets, but users quickly reach the point of needing more and more, and the drug becomes unaffordable. Addicts are often forced to turn to crime to accommodate their habit, making the social issues even more difficult.”
In 2012, Dr David Bayever from the government drug control organisation CDA was quoted as saying that that at least 15 percent of South Africans have a drug problem and the number is expected to rise. “While some drugs are produced directly in South Africa, it is also a major trans-shipment hub for importing and exporting them.”
In an effort to highlight the dangers of drugs and the value of knowledge about them, the South African National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (SANCA) is participating in International Drug Day during the week of 26 June 2013. The Official Global Slogan for the International Day the week 26 June 2013 ’Make health your” new high” in life, not drugs’.
The slogan ‘Make health your “new high” in life, not drugs’ was adopted to encourage people to look at the value of their life and how quickly that can be lost due to drug use. It’s also important to note that it’s not just drugs like heroin and whoonga that can steal your life, but over the counter (OTC) medications and steroids, too.
In its quest to be the most effective organisation in the field of prevention and treatment of chemical dependence in South Africa, SANCA offers in- and out-patient treatment options, as well as Adolescent Centres around South Africa. “Besides detoxification, our services include intensive group, family and individual therapy, medical management, children’s groups, drug testing and aftercare,” Vos says.
With drug addiction, prevention is always better than cure: “By the time people get to SANCA, their lives are unmanageable and their physical and mental health is usually bad. Parents and other family members need to talk to their children about drug abuse early, as the age at which people are becoming exposed to drugs is far younger now than ever before”.
“Encouraging ‘getting high on life’ rather than drugs could include assisting youngsters to explore sports and creative activities, where their energies can be spent on healthy pursuits,” says Vos.
Die Aurora Alkohol en Dwelmsentrum in Bloemfontein is ‘n SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency) fasiliteit wat 26 Junie die Internasionale Dag teen Dwelmmisbruik en die Onwettige Handel in Dwelms ondersteun asook die slagspreuk: Laat gesondheid jou euforie (hoogtepunt) in die lewe wees, nie dwelms nie.
Die Aurora Sentrum bied binne-pasiënte behandelingsdienste aan vir jeugdiges tussen die ouderdom van 13 en 18 jaar asook ‘n afsonderlike program vir volwassenes. Persone wat kwalifiseer kan as buite-pasiënte behandel word.
Aurora Sentrum bied ook verskillende voorkomings- en opleidingsgeleenthede aan.
Indien jy standpunt wil inneem teen dwelmmisbruik is jy welkom om gedurende kantoor-ure ‘n geel metaalstrikkie met ‘n goue sleuteltjie aan vir R10.00 by die Aurora Sentrum te kom koop.
Kontakbesonderhede:
Telefoon: 051 – 447 4111 / faks: 051 – 447 4225
Kontakpersoon: Santie Froneman
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