International Day Against Drug Abuse sees launch of toll-free Substance Abuse Help Line

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International Day Against Drug Abuse sees launch of toll-free Substance Abuse Help Line

Issued by: South African Depression and Anxiety Group

"Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual lives and undermine our societies. Confronting the illicit trade in drugs and its effects remains a major challenge for the international community." (Kofi Annan)

For the last 20 years, the UN has dedicated the 26th June as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as a symbol of its commitment to an international society free of drug abuse. This day is observed worldwide and, in line with this day and its message, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and the Department of Social Development will be launching South Africa's first toll-free Substance Abuse Help Line.

“Many people are marginalised or at risk due to their life-circumstances and made more vulnerable through drug use. This line offers support, guidance and help for people addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as their families, no matter where in South Africa they are,” says Janine Shamos, Project Director of SADAG.

Substance abuse is a huge problem in South Africa and the problem is getting younger al the time. According to SACENDU, in the Northern Cape, 36% of patients admitted to rehabilitation and treatment centres for substance abuse were aged between 10 and 19. According to the Youth Risk Survey of 2002, 49% of teens use alcohol, 31% smoke and 13% use dagga. “The youth need to be empowered to take control of their lives and not let drugs control them,” says Shamos.

There is a severe shortage of health services generally in South Africa and the line - 0800 12 13 14, SMS 32312 - enables people across SA to access help, support and appropriate treatment.

Most of us use drugs every day - caffeine, nicotine, alcohol. Ours is a drug taking society and more people are abusing drugs today than in any other time in history. Drug and alcohol abuse eat away at people's lives, families, resources and ability to cope. SADAG has found a way to bring back hope.

Visit our PRESS OFFICE:

SADAG is committed to quality counselling, outreach programmes and capacity building work throughout South Africa, and this commitment to promoting mental health across South Africa.- more....

[6 Aug 2008 11:06]