Individuals turn to drugs for various reasons. Some seek pleasure or relief from anxiety, while others use substances to escape reality.
Proactive measures to address substance misuse are underscored on World Drug Day, observed on Wednesday, 26 June.
This serves as a global reminder to prioritise prevention and combat drug abuse, with the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
Understanding the factors
Various reasons exist for the misuse of drugs, such as seeking pleasure or relief from anxiety, or to escape reality. Curiosity, boredom, and inadequate coping skills also contribute. Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression often correlate with higher rates of substance abuse. Peer pressure, social influence, major life changes, and trauma further exacerbate the issue.
Recognising signs
Detecting drug abuse early is crucial. Look out for the following signs:
Physical changes: Bloodshot eyes, abnormal pupil size, weight loss, and unusual body odours.
Behavioural clues: Aggression, defensiveness, sleep disturbances, and paranoia.
Manipulative actions: Individuals may appear energetic while concealing their substance use.
Prevention strategies
Education: Understand how substance abuse develops and learn to identify signs.
Relapse awareness: Recognise relapse signs and support loved ones in avoiding triggers.
Balanced lifestyle: Encourage healthy habits and distraction from substance-related triggers.
Participate in programmes: Engage in prevention programmes and empower others to do the same.
Seek professional help: Encourage individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek assistance.
Parental role
Parents play a pivotal role in prevention.
Open communication: Maintain an open dialogue about drug abuse with your children.
Teach resilience: Equip kids with assertiveness skills to say “no” to drugs.
Know their circle: Be aware of your teen’s friends and their activities.
Famsa’s commitment
Families South Africa (Famsa) is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that collaborates with diverse disciplines and community members to prevent substance abuse. Famsa empowers the youth by leading effective awareness campaigns and supports functional substance abusers in recognising their dependency.
Prevention is the strongest weapon against drug abuse.
– Compiled by Deidre Vries, Famsa Kathu, 053-723-1564.
- Contact Famsa on 080-001-4520 (toll-free), via WhatsApp on 082-727-8810, or on 053-723-1564, and press the respective digit for Upington, Kathu, Kuruman, Postmasburg, Prieska, Calvinia, or Springbok.
- Alternatevily, visit famsaupt.co.za.
