Statistics for chemical abuse in South Africa
Below are a some statistics that highlight the incidence of chemical abuse in South Africa:
- "The drug problem in South Africa remains very serious with drug usage being twice the world norm in most cases...and we are only dealing with what we know about...this is only the tip of the iceberg" (Bayever quoted at the release of the United Nations 2009 World Drug Report in Pretoria).
- Drug consumption in South Africa is twice the world norm (Department of Social Development - Central Drug Authority / CDA-2009).
- 15% of South Africa's population have a drug problem (CDA).
- Drug abuse is costing South Africa R20-billion a year and could pose a bigger threat to the country's future than the Aids pandemic.
- In 2004, government disbanded the SA Narcotics Bureau (SANAB), a dedicated drug-fighting unit within the SAPS that had achieved some notable successes. Since its closure, drug-related crimes have increased exponentially - in fact by 30%. In addition, recently leading political and judiciary figures have been caught driving under the influence.
- The recently-released United Nations World Drug Report named South Africa one of the drug capitals of the world.
- One rand in four in circulation in SA is linked to a substance abuse problem - 2009 (CDA-Bayever).
ISNT IT SCARY? These statistics are just becoming higher and higher with more and more people turning to substances. But whats scarier is how much I knew on substance abuse and use before being officially taught about it in class. In fact, i taught the lecturer and students a few things about substances and rehabs that the lecturer wasnt even aware of. A few people came after classed and asked if I had in fact done drugs and been to rehab with everything I knew on the subject but the simple truth is I havent.
Having never done drugs in my life I have had exposure to this abuse through a cousin and friend who does. I have visited so many rehabs and been a pillar of strength through the horrible withdrawls waiting for them to pull their lives together.. but in the end they always end up back there and this has led me to question why?? why do people go back to taking drugs or consuming alcohol knowing that it ruins their lives and health? Why are they so dependent on these substances to give them the high they need? And is drugs and alcohol addiction the only addiction we should be worried about?
Rehabs work while these people are within the facility but when returning to normal everyday life you can move and run from the problems before but they always run after you. Fact is if you dont find peace within yourself you will never be able to peace to not return to this habit forming distruction of your life. Ive personally seen this happen since before I can remember and as much as I want to tell them its their fault they in rehab again and run a million miles... truth is I cant. Emotional attachement overwhelms me and once again I give them the benefit of the doubt. But as everyone says... substance abusers are the best con artists.
So what happens to the people on the recieving end of the manipulation and destruction caused by these abusers? Well the stories are horrific!
Im sure everyone has come across this picture somewhere in their lives? Scary isnt it? Well thats the simple truth. People dont think of the consequences of their actions.
Sometimes the consequences cant be seen by looking at the persons physical being. The emotional abuse that is associated by having a spouse or parent (for example) that is a substance abuser and when intoxicated picks arguements or worse physically or sexually abuses people is just as bad a this lady's scars above.
Personally Ive had a background of family members that have been alcoholics. The emotional trauma and physical scars that this caused still lie within my family, but these abusers cannot understand what they have done...and will go to their grave being this person because they are unwilling to change.
Im currently dating a wonderful man who has also come from a similar background of alcohol and physical abuse which unfortuently lead to a tragic suicide. The scars within him and his family are unbelievable...each and everyday I see his fear of becoming the same person. And it breaks my heart...I want to shake him and tell him he would never do to me what happened because we have trust and unconditional love. But unfortunetly these scars are so deep and there are too many unanswered questions for just words to heal.
These abusers dont realize what they doing until its too late. So shouldnt the government be more focused on rehabs and the programmes with rehabs? Or prehaps minimizing drugs within the country. But sadly no... our government is too concerned with how much money they can scandal out of us.
We had a young man come speak to us in class from Newlands Park Centre. He told us his life story and how hes changed his life and its truly inspirational. It made me realize... we all have something we want to change in our lives, whether you want to change how you look by loosing some weight, or change your decor... it all begins with you. Unless you willing to change it, the rest of the world cant help you either.
So start each an everyday by taking a step forward to that change and being the best person you can be. Each day is a new beginning so make the most of it.
And remember... what you put in is what you get out.
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