Know your drugs

Substance abuse is rife in South Africa, across a broad age group and across all cultures and income groups.

Yet what is the true explanation of substance abuse? According to Cathy Vos, Director at Sanca Horizon Alcohol and Drug Centre - it is a progressive, treatable illness that has symptoms and can be effectively managed through a comprehensive recovery programme.

“Addiction is defined when a person takes a chemical substance in order to cope and function in their daily life and can be physical, emotional and psychological.”

As drug abuse has become extremely rampant within South African society, Sanca Horizon says drug awareness week in June highlights and draws attention to this growing problem in South Africa.

Vos explains while drug addiction is often not prevalent amongst fist time users, the disease of addiction is progressive and develops over a period of time.

Cannabis

Also known as dagga, weed, pot and zol; cannabis remains the most commonly abused illicit drug both worldwide and locally. Cannabis is considered a “natural herb' by many, but people are unaware that it leads to short-term memory loss, aggressive behaviour and an increase in anxiety and depressive disorders as well as psychosis.

“According to the 2006 World Health Report, South-Africa consumes twice the world norm of cannabis per annum,” says Vos.

Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is addictive in nature. Side effects include aggressive behaviour, irrational thinking, short-term memory loss and psychosis.

“Many regular users have difficulty controlling their use and often use more than they intended, this is due to the progressive nature of addiction and tolerance that is built up over a period of time.

Synthetic stimulants

Synthetic stimulants include amphetamines, methamphetamine and methcathinone - creating a feeling of euphoria and exhilaration. They increase energy levels and suppress the appetite, while also increasing your blood pressure and heart rate.

Vos says in the long-term, these stimulants can cause respiratory problems, weight loss, exhaustion and paranoia and psychosis.

Methamphetamine known as tik or crystal meth is a powerfully addictive drug, fast gaining popularity among the youth, especially in the Western Cape.

Methcathinone, otherwise known as cat, is on the increase as a cheaper alternative to Cocaine says Vos. Cat is made up of a variety of amphetamines and methamphetamines as well as ethcathinone and has a similar effect as cocaine, such as feelings of euphoria, restlessness and agitation and a feeling of invincibility.

Other methamphetamine type substances include ecstasy also known as E, XTC, and the love drug. Ecstasy increases energy levels as well as increasing tactile perception and senses. Touch, sight and feeling are all thus extremely sensitive and this enhances the sensation of sex. Long-term effects of ecstasy include depression, anxiety, agitation and paranoia.

Another danger of ecstasy is that it speeds up the metabolism, causing an increase in energy and heart rate. The drug also blocks the sensations of thirst and hunger causing people to dehydrate, especially when clubbing.

Nyope is a mixture of heroin and marijuana and is smoked the same way as dagga. “Rather alarming is the increase among the youth, who think they are buying a pre-rolled joint and then get hooked on the heroin,” says Vos.

Sanca Horizon is finding that the combination of heroin and dagga has replaced mandrax and is indicated in the statistics of people presenting for treatment.

Nyope is particularly common in the previously disadvantaged areas as well as in Witbank, the East Rand and Pretoria.

General statistics

Statistics released by the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) for the first half of 2007 revealed:

· Alcohol remains the dominant substance of abuse

· Cannabis is the primary substance of abuse for over 50% of patients

· Mandrax has decreased significantly

· Heroin has increased significantly, especially amongst the black population and under 20s (68%)

· Cat has increased in Gauteng to 6% amongst adults

· Nyope has increased significantly, especially among young black males from disadvantaged areas

· Poly substance abuse is still high

· Cocaine is the primary substance of abuse for 25% of adult patients.

Drug abuse is a reality in today's society. Denying the problem will not make it go away. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a problem with chemical substances please seek professional advice. Do not try and deal wit it on your own.

Sanca Horizon can be contacted on 011 917 5015 to find out about a suitable treatment programme or log onto http://www.sancanational.org.za/ to find a treatment clinic in your area.

Sanca Horizon Alcohol and Drug Abuse Centre
Debbie Mc Call
011 917 5015