Sanca concerned about youth drug abuse

The management of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (Sanca) is concerned about the extent to which drug abuse in the city and surrounds has escalated.
Amanda Swart, Director of Sanca Limpopo Alcohol and Drug Centre in the city says that since the beginning of 2019 Sanca has experienced an increasing number of children under the age of 18 years using alcohol and dagga.
“Communities are made up of families. If families are dysfunctional, communities become problematic. Currently we are experiencing the symptoms of an affected community, whereby children are crying out for help. They will first turn to the family and if not attended to, they will take this need out to the community. Addiction is a family disease and has distinct consequences on the family dynamics, roles and relationships,” Swart says.
According to Swart, the dependency process starts with individuals experimenting with substances, followed by social use leading to excessive use and then to total addiction. The crucial phase that is characterised by suicide attempts, moral degradation and persisting and increasing destructive behaviour which ultimately ends in death. “How a person is dealt with during this phase will predict the outcome of their behaviour and choices in the future and Sanca is calling out to the community to partner with them in addressing this problem,” Swart says.
According to Swart, a person using substances may display signs and symptoms which include loss of energy, sleepiness, changes in appearance and appetite, weight loss and a change in sleeping patterns. Other signs are irritability, mood swings, restlessness, aggression, violence, destructive behaviour, lack of motivation, apathy and rudeness and irresponsibility.
Swart advises parents to live close to their children in order to call for assistance when drug abuse is suspected. “Don’t get angry and blame them. They need your help and trust,” Swart says.
Sanca is a non-profit organisation, delivering treatment, prevention and after care services to community members dealing with alcohol and drug related problems. The team of highly professional skilled and trained social workers and professional nurse deliver services to individuals and families and Swart may be contacted on 015 295 3700.

Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com