THE 26 June is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, declared by the United Nations as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
Supported each year by individuals, communities and various organisations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
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The trade in drugs was already recognized as a global problem requiring a global solution at the beginning of the 20th century, with the first international conference on narcotic drugs held in Shanghai in 1909. Over the following decades, a multilateral system to control production, trafficking and abuse of drugs was developed.
Health for Justice. Justice for Health
This year’s theme highlights that justice and health are two sides of the same coin when it comes to addressing drug problems.
Effective responses to the world drug problem require inclusive and accountable institutions of criminal justice, health and social services to work hand in hand to provide integrated solutions, in line with the international drug control conventions, human rights obligations and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The effects of drug abuse on health
Closer to home, Arlene Joseph from Ac Wellness in Queensburgh said research has found widespread and problematic use of heroin in South Africa’s small towns, big cities and rural areas
“The Government needs to recognise that it faces a heroin crisis that is taking a heavy toll on communities. In major urban areas, people are subject to extreme violence as local gangs compete for control of drug markets,” she said.
“Heroin creates high dependency, with a reliable income stream from repeat customers.”
According to Joseph, substance use disorders are associated with a wide range of short and long term health effects.
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They can vary depending on the type of drug, how much and how often it’s taken and the person’s general health. Overall, the effects of drug abuse and dependence can be far-reaching. They can impact almost every organ in the human body.
Side effects of drug addiction may include:
- A weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
- Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs
- Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss
- Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure
- Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage
- Lung disease
- Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult
In the past three to four years, we have seen a sharp increase in heroin (sugars) and have seen many cases where addicts die from overdosing on opioids. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others.
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South Africa has a huge problem with drugs and alcohol abuse.
“At Ac Wellness, we run a free support group focusing on the family because addiction is a family disease. If you or your family have a problem with addiction, we offer free assessments. (Call 031 708 6586). There is hope from addiction,” said Joseph.
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