The True Cost of Substance Abuse and how Support Groups can help communities

Substance abuse is an enormous social problem in South Africa.

Dundee is not immune to drugs and most hard drugs are readily available locally.

Where substances like tik, Nyaope and alcohol abuse are devastating society, aggravating poverty and crime, and contributing to homelessness, child abuse and gender violence – making South Africa’s drug consumption twice the world average. Yet it remains, for the most part, an ‘invisible problem”- one we don’t want to see, so we don’t see it. “Many of us affected by substance abuse but we keep it hidden, ashamed of what people in our communities will say”, says expert psychologist Neill Amoore.

Five years ago, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group opened a dedicated substance abuse line to its call centre. “For five years – 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day – the counsellors to the line have dedicated themselves to helping South Africa’s often forgotten population – people affected by substance abuse. The line can be reached on 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312. Or visit www.sadag.org for more information. This year, on the 26^th June, let’s celebrate National Substance Abuse Awareness Day by remembering the NGOs and their partners trying to help their communities.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs a 24-hour counselling and referral line for loved ones, families, communities and individuals affected by substance abuse. “There are realistically, not many options for families in rural or disadvantaged areas”, says SADAG’s Cassey Chambers. “Clinics, rehabilitation centres, counsellors – these are often only accessible physically and financially to wealthier or more urban patients.” SADAG’s counselling line gives all South Africans the chance to get support, information and advice about how to cope with substance abuse. “No one usually wants to talk to me or help cos I am poor”, says David*from Mitchell’s Plain. “But I can call SADAG for free from the tickibox next to the spaza and get support and help. I don’t want this thing to kill me.”

In addition to the 24-hour helpline, SADAG and the Department of Social Development, also do community talks to schools, FBOS, health professionals, and community members . “My husband was an addict for many years”, says Robyn* from Lombardy East. “I always felt totally powerless and scared – I felt all alone and I didn’t understand how I could escape or get him help. Until SADAG came along and I heard a talk on substance abuse at the church. It gave me a new view  and hope that there was help.”

SADAG also trains interested community members to become Support Group leaders in their communities. “We can’t be there all the time in person, and realistically, many regions are never going to have enough resources, so it’s time to use what we have – ourselves!” says Mpho of Kimberley. Peer training and support is a powerful option to help our most vulnerable sectors of society. There are over 120 support groups around all 9 provinces. From Pimville Soweto to Vosloorus or Mamelodi to Kraaifontein, Villiers in every part of South Africa.

Increasingly popular – and destructive – is “Nyaope”: a mixture of marijuana and heroin, that is causing inestimable damage among township youth. Called by various other names like “Sugars”, “Palanza”, and “Kwape”, this lethal drug makes the path from dagga to heroin much easier. Prices of this instantly addictive drug have also come down and it is far more affordable to lower income groups. In one year, the percentage of users has doubled in South Africa and is now marketed specifically in townships.  Possibly one of the saddest facts is that the rehabilitation rate is less than 3%, according to Prof. Malaka of the University of Limpopo.

Through SADAG-established Support Groups, communities have access to help, resources, information and support that was previously denied to them.

Drug abuse in South Africa is fast becoming a big problem, according to The Central Drug Authority’s, Dr. David Bayever, who says that “up to 15% of South Africans abuse drugs. For too long, we have turned a blind eye or perceived substance abuse as someone else’s problem or something that happens to other people. Now, through SADAG and the Department of Social Development’s line, South Africans can all get help and a trained voice at the end of a line, no matter where they are in the country.” Call 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312.

How to Help a Loved One

• Try not to panic! Stay calm and don’t fight with them
• Never confront them if they are still drunk or high. Wait until the effects wear off and then approach them
• Support them but don’t fund their habit – cut off money, don’t pay bills
• Discuss the issues – don’t fight the person – listen to what they have to say.
• Explain why you are worried and tell them how you feel as calmly as possible.
• Don’t try to handle it alone – they need professional help. Always.
• Support and love them but make sure they know that drug use is not acceptable.
• Don’t lie to friends and family – tell the truth.
• If you ignore the situation – it WON’T go away.
• Look after yourself and the rest of your family.