Drug awareness week set to kick off

The week will be focusing on creating awareness in communities about drug abuse in South Africa.

According to Sanca, drug abuse by children under the age of 16 is becoming predominant across the country.

ER24 also said 33 per cent of South Africans are drug users, there has been a 25 per cent increase in drug use over the past ten years and 35 per cent of high school learners have used drugs in the past month.

One of the major drugs that is popular among children, especially in the townships is nyaope which is a drug concocted from rat poison, heroin, dagga, ARVs and household bleach.

Research conducted by Sanca shows a number of reasons behind children taking drugs, issues like peer pressure, poverty and escaping pain.

The fight against drug is an on-going battle that continues long after the end of the awareness week.

If you know someone who is already addicted and needs help call Sanca’s national line 086-14-72622.