The Western Cape’s drugs of choice in order of preference are dagga, tik, alcohol and heroin.
This is according to the latest report compiled from data gathered from 35 specialist treatment centres/programmes by the SA Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use.
The report reveals the primary substances abused from July to December last year were cannabis (30.5%), tik (27.6%), alcohol (19.8%) and heroin (11.4%).
Together these made up 89% of all admissions.
In a statement, the Department of Social Development said it was “continuously working to expand the reach and quality of substance abuse treatment and intervention services, across the province despite financial constraints”.
“The Department currently funds six NGO-run inpatient treatment facilities, 13 community-based treatment NGOs which render treatment across 30 sites, 21 NGOs which render early intervention services from 29 sites and 10 NGOs which render aftercare services across 16 sites.”
MEC Sharna Fernandez said: “No one grows up thinking they are going to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
THANKS: Sharna Fernandez
“I would like to thank all the individuals, communities, organisations and civil society working together to help provide support to those experiencing a substance-use disorder.”
Anybody needing more information or assistance can contact the www.heretohelp.co.za website.