When it comes to statistics on drug and alcohol abuse in South Africa it is difficult to get exact figures. Much of the data we have regarding addiction is based on information gathered from recovery and treatment centers – and the figures are only gathered from about 70% of the treatment centers in South Africa.
What we do know however is that looking at the statistics published by the UN in their World Drug Report indicates that more than 247 million people have experimented with drugs, and that from that total about 10% have a substance use disorder/addiction. It is estimated that only 1 in 6 individuals with substance use disorders go into treatment.
It is estimated that around 13% of the South African population meet the criteria for substance use disorder – and even if this percentage were lower – we all have had someone in our lives who had a problem with drugs and/or alcohol.
Even if the percentage was lower it would not minimize the importance of addressing the issue of drug and/or alcohol abuse.
We are likely to encounter someone with a S.U.D. at some point, and therefore it is important to understand what they might be going through. Whereas in other articles we will be looking at the mechanisms of addiction as well as options for treatment, in this article we will take a look at some of the most common drugs used in South Africa.
This is by no means an exhaustive or comprehensive look at the various substances, but just an overview of the most commonly abused substances. Alcohol and Marijuana will be covered in a later article. We will be delving into more detail in the future.
Opiates
Opiates are a type of drug that includes both illicit narcotics and prescription medications. Heroin, morphine , fentanyl and codeine are all examples of opiates.
These substances are derived from the opium poppy or substances with similar effects on the brain or body. Artificial substances with the same effect are referred to as synthetic opioids. These drugs depress your central nervous system and are used for pain relief and as anaesthesia but is often misused or abused because of the feelings of euphoria it produces.
The risk of overdose with Heroin is much higher than with other substances as it is hard for the user to determine how much is safe to use.
Symptoms of opiate addiction can be physical or psychological. These can include:
- Confusion
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Constricted pupils
- Moments of loss of consciousness
- Notable drowsiness
- Unusual levels of euphoria
- Slow breathing
- Social isolation
- Getting prescriptions from more than one doctor
- Mood swings
- New financial problems
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
It is important that the opiate user undergo detox under the supervision of a medical professional as there are certain complications which may arise during the withdrawals.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also locally referred to as Tik and Crystal, is a popular and extremely potent nervous system stimulant.
In low to moderate doses, methamphetamine can elevate mood, increase alertness, concentration and energy in fatigued individuals, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. At very high doses, it can induce psychosis, breakdown of skeletal muscle, seizures and bleeding in the brain.
It is relatively cheap in comparison to other stimulants and is one of the main drugs of abuse in South Africa.
Some of the most common indicators that someone might be using meth are:
- Hyperactivity
- Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
- Noticeable and sudden weight loss
- Skin sores
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Agitation
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
- Erratic sleeping patterns
- Rotting teeth
- Outbursts or mood swings
- Extreme weight loss
Crack/Cocaine
Cocaine is made from the dried leaves of the Coca Plant. While the powdered form is referred to as cocaine or coke, the rock form is known as crack, or rocks locally.
The name crack is derived from the cracking sound it makes when it is heated and smoked.
Cocaine, just like meth and cat, is a stimulant. This means that it produces a fast and intense feeling of energy, power and euphoria. Crack is a bit more intense but also wears off very quickly. The use and abuse of crack/cocaine can lead to intense feelings of depression and anxiety.
Some of the symptoms to look out for are:
- Excitability
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Social isolation
- Risky behaviors
- Nosebleeds
- Boost in confidence
- Talkative habits
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- White powder residue around the nose and mouth
- Burn marks on the hands and lips
- Deterioration in hygiene habits
- Financial difficulties
- Loss of interest in things that once brought joy
- Increased need for privacy
- Spoons, razor blades, plastic baggies and other drug paraphernalia in the person’s room or clothing pockets.
Methcathinone
Methcathinone also sometimes called Cat or ephedrone is a synthetic derivate that stems from the leaves of the khat bush which contains cathinone.
Like Cocaine and Meth it is a nervous system stimulant and produces feelings of great euphoria and energy.
The symptoms therefore are very similar to that of Cocaine and Crystal Meth.
Ecstacy
Ecstacy, also referred to as MDMA or Molly, is a derivative of methamphetamine. It rose to popularity with the rave scene and is still popular today as a party drug. It’s symptoms are very similar to that of Methamphetamines.
It is often bought as a liquid or in tablet form.
Methaqualone/Mandrax
Also known as Quaaludes, Mandrax or Buttons, Methaqualone is a hypnotic and sedative drug that is often smoked with marijuana in a ‘wit pyp’.
In the 60’s and 70’s it was prescribed as a treatment for insomnia and as a muscle relaxant. In the 80’s production was largely halted and the drug was made illegal.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Mandrax misuse are:
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Red puffy eyes
- Clumsiness (decreased alertness)
- Decrease in concentration
- Restlessness
- Increased sleep
- Brown/Yellowish marks on hands
- Slurred speech
- Poor co-ordination
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION PLEASE REACH OUT: 065 370 3806 / ANDRE@ADLABUSCHAGNE.CO.ZA. #YOUARENOTALONE