Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, formerly known as Medunsa University, did a study on addiction trends at Wedge Gardens rehab centre in Edenvale.
The university’s research involved a sample of 246 patients at the facility for men, aged between 18 and 82 years old.
“The research highlighted addiction trends and provided valuable information regarding substance abuse for us as a treatment centre,” said Karen Griessel, a Wedge Gardens social worker.
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Categories of the study were based on the patient’s age, race, relationship status, education, employment, financial stability and other key factors.
For many of the men, their first time experience with drugs was at a young age.
“Shockingly, more than half of them reported that they were between the ages of 10 and 15 when they first tried drugs,” said Griessel.
The next age group was between 16 to 21.
Most of the men first experimented with cannabis, alcohol and cigarettes.
The drugs used just prior to admission included dagga (39.4 per cent), alcohol (32.5 per cent), cigarettes (28 per cent), tik (24.4 per cent), nyaope (24 per cent), khat (20.3 per cent) and cocaine (16.3 per cent).
Interestingly, prescription medication featured at 19.1 per cent.
Another concern was that 38.8 per cent of the sampled population revealed that family members – mostly brothers and fathers – use drugs on a regular basis.
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According to the research, a very high percentage of people sampled have been in rehab before, with some having taken the decision themselves to get help and others urged to do so by concerned parents.
The study revealed some more interesting trends.
Like most addicts were young people.
Racially, there are more white men fighting substance abuse.
Followed by black, coloured then Indian men.
The population was made up largely of single men, with a small percentage being married and divorced patients.
Very few in the centre were widowed.
Educationally, more than half of the men had matriculated with a good number being holders of diplomas or certificates.
Griessel said the report revealed that a high percentage of people sampled were unemployed.
The report also revealed that more than half of the men were dependant on their direct families for financial assistance.
Most patients still live with family members, some are self-sufficient.
Half of the men were brought up in two-parent homes, followed by a large percentage of single-mother homes.
Christianity was the most practised religion.
Some had no religious affiliation, while a few other religions were practised by a minority of the men.
Most of the men have children of their own.
Half of them have one or two children of their own on average.
The reasons given for their drug use included the following:
It made them feel good (56.5 per cent); stress (56.1 per cent); curiosity (45.1 per cent); chasing a high (43.1 per cent); coping (39.4 per cent); family problems (38.6 per cent); availability (37.8 per cent); needed something stronger (30.1 per cent); and finances (17.1 per cent) .
“Ultimately, it was important to understand the people we work with so we can better help them,” said Griessel.
For more information on Wedge Gardens call 011 430 0320.
