Amongst everything South Africa has been through, drugs have become one of many social issues that we continue to fight each and every day. Substance abuse has ruined lives, broke families and ended careers.
“South Africa is on the verge of collapsing,” says Innocent Masuku on MacG Podcast and Chill interview where he shared his drug addiction story.
Research has shown that substance abuse is usually caused by depression, peer pressure, stress and a few other mental health illnesses. One may think they are trying it out and end up being addicts and depending on the drug to help them get through life. Many have died trying to quite drugs and some have died while using.
“There are many factors that may make people vulnerable, including genetics, family backgrounds, mental health issues, work stress, financial pressure, and relationship problems” says Marna Acker, and Occupational Therapist at Aker Clinic Nelspruit.
The whole awareness surrounding drugs and substance abuse has always been available to society but as the years have gone by and the drug rate increasing some tend to forget that drugs in South Africa continue to destroy lives.
“Drugs are demonic” says Masuku.
This piece is to bring out the same awareness and make one understand that we as South Africans are facing a bigger problem on top of everything else that the country is facing at this point in time. Here’s a reminder on how bad it has become.
According to Netcare (2018), “Substance abuse is an enormous social problem in South Africa, as elsewhere, and it’s increasing every day”.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), “Alcohol, marijuana (dagga), cocaine, tik and heroin are some of the most frequently used substances in this country”.
I believe the most affected parts from drug abuse is townships and most disadvantaged parts of South Africa.
It is no secret that we see young lives mostly those that are from a low income home to middle class indulge in the drug world and struggle to get out. This problem has resulted in crime statistics even increasing in these areas. One cannot say it drug addicts don’t affect them or “it has nothing to do with them” because this issues affects everyone as a collective.
It is sad to witness the future of South Africa go downhill because of substance abuse and their dependence on drugs. However, it is never too late to reach out and help where you can. Play your part in fighting this pandemic and all will eventually fall into place slowly but surely.
There is still hope for the future of the creative minds that have fallen into this act.
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