The recently-released United Nations World Drug Report had named South Africa as one of the drug capitals of the world.
Alcohol
Studies show that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are 4-times more likely to become alcoholics.
During the CDA study 20% of 14 year old boys and nearly half of 17 year old boys drank in the previous month. Girls was a bit lower with 18% of 14 year olds and 35% of 17 year olds in the same period. (CDA)
Dagga
Mandrax
Mandrax (Methaqualone) South Africa is the largest user of Mandrax in the world.
Ecstacy
SA spends approximately R610 million in one year on illigial ecstacy purchases
Cocaine
The use of cocaine has increased by 20% in two years. In 2006 there were 250 000 South Africans who consumed cocaine worth about R1 430 million, this increased to 290 000 in 2008. (CDA)The number of South Africans in treatment for cocaine addiction increased from 1.5% in 1996 to 17.5%
Crack
Crack (Rocks) is the drug of choice amongst prostitutes. Some spend up to R30 000 per month. Selling their bodies to between 15 and 25 men per day to be able to finance their addiction.
Methamphetamine (Tik)
Tik (methamphetamine) is the main drug of choice for 42% of Cape Town drug users. Global Meth trade supplies 51 000 000 users worldwide. (NatGeo: Drugs Inc, 2010)Worldwide profits of over $ 35 Billion are made from producing and distributing Meth. (NatGeo: Drugs Inc, 2010)
Heroin
In1996, one percent (1%) of South Africans were in treatment for heroin abuse while in 2008 those in treatment for this addiction increased between 8 – 24%. (CDA)“Sugars”, a Heroin based drug that affects about 70 percent of households in the Durban South suburb Chatsworth. Nyaope, a mixture of dagga and heroin that has ben cut with products like domestos, Rattax and ARV’s, is causing inestimable damage among Tshwane’s township youth. Other forms of Heroin is on the increase under names like “Plazana” and “Kwape”, this makes the path from Dagga to Heroin much easier.More female students than male are using heroin. (UNISA publication “Inspired” Vol 5 2009). In one year, the percentage of users has doubled in South Africa and is now marketed specifically in townships. Prices have also come down and it is far more affordable to lower income groups yet remains one of the most addicted drugs available today.
Rehabilitation
Studies show that the average age of drug dependency in South Africa to be 12 years old, and dropping. One in two schoolchildren admits to having experimented with drugs.
Alcohol
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