Lockdown reveals levels of substance dependency in SA

THE prohibition of alcohol sales during levels 5 and 4 of the Covid -19 lockdown, has reinforced the notion that South Africans lack responsible alcohol use.

This is the sentiment expressed by the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) during Substance Abuse Awareness Week (22 – 28 June).

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SANCA says the desperation was evident from the making of home brew concoctions, illegal trade in alcohol and robberies at liquor stores.

The increase in crime and gender-based violence after the lifting of the alcohol ban at Level 3 was reason for concern.

‘Years of believing that addicts have a choice has created the idea that active addiction is fuelled by the irrational and selfish behaviour of the individual.

‘This is inaccurate as addiction is far more complex, said SANCA.

‘The drive to continue using is more often fuelled by the psychological and physical needs of the dependent individual, and treatment is more complex than just stopping.’

Drug and alcohol dependency is negatively impacting the fabric of South African society, and is often linked to other social ills such as violent crime, gender-based violence, child abuse and the ever increasing HIV/Aids incidence rates.

Substance dependency statistics show that drug consumption such as cannabis, cocaine, and Tik in South Africa is twice the global average and second to none in Africa (UN World Drug Report, 2014).

The average age of drug dependency in South Africa is 12 years and decreasing. The country is among the top 10 narcotics and alcohol abusers in the world.

For every 100 people, 15 have a drug problem and for every R100 in circulation, R25 is linked to the substance abuse problem (Christian Addiction Support report, 2016).

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