The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has raised the alarm regarding the number of calls it receives from young people suffering from substance abuse.
Thursday marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day. The day serves as a call to
action to strengthen prevention, support, and education efforts in the global
fight against substance abuse.
PICTURE: PixabayThis year, SADAG said it is placing a special focus on
young people with the theme: “Our Youth, Our Future.”
“A majority of the calls we receive on SADAG’s 24-hour
Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) are from young people or families
seeking help for youth. The reality is that youth are the most vulnerable and
affected by drug and alcohol abuse, and we need to urgently intervene with
education, support, and access to treatment,” says Tebogo Ramidiro, SADAG
Projects Coordinator.
Ramidiro said its substance abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) received
over 158 000 calls over the past year from people throughout the country
seeking help for themselves or a loved one – majority of calls received from
Gauteng (23%), KwaZulu Natal (17%) and Western Cape (16%). Additionally, 45% of
the calls received were from Youth (aged 13 – 35 years old); 54% of calls are
received from women, with men closing the gap of 46% of calls
She said that main substance use trends amongst youth
include alcohol, marijuana, heroin, nyaope, and TIK/crystal meth
According to the 2025 UNODC World Drug Report, about 316
million people worldwide used drugs in 2023, with youth and adolescents being
particularly at risk. The report also highlights that early initiation of drug
use increases the likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in
life, especially when access to Mental Health support is limited.
‘’One major concern is drug use among young people, which can
be particularly damaging, resulting in higher rates of healthy years of life
lost. On average, young people around the world use drugs at least as much as
adults. Another notable challenge is the persistent difference in how drugs affect
different people, including men and women, and the gaps in treatment available
to them,’’ said the World Drug Report for 2025.
‘’SADAG, in partnership with government and community
stakeholders, is launching a series of awareness and education activities aimed
at addressing the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among youth in South
Africa,’’ said Tebogo Ramidiro, SADAG Projects Coordinator.
Done By: Mitchum George
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