GEORGE NEWS - Sanca George invites the public to help create awareness of substance abuse by participating in their Kick your Habit challenge from 23 to 29 June. Substance dependency statistics show that drug consumption (cannabis, cocaine, and Tik) in South Africa is twice the global average and second to none in Africa (UN World Drug Report, 2014).
The average age of drug dependence in South Africa is 12 years and decreasing.
According to the 2018 statistics of Sanca George*, the youngest child reported with substance use was nine years old and the substance of use was cannabis.
Drug and alcohol dependency is destabilising the fabric of the South African society and is often linked to other social ills such as violent crime, gender-based violence, child abuse, and health problems. The youth are particularly vulnerable to experimenting and becoming long-term users. In the 2018 financial year alone, Sanca George has rendered services to 321 children under the age of 18 years and 212 young adults aged 19 to 35 years, which confirms the national findings.
Many people are unaware of the difficulties faced by people living with substance use disorders when first entering treatment and the long-term fight they face over the years after treatment. Years of believing that the person has a choice every time they use has led to the idea that active addiction is fuelled by the irrational and selfish behaviours of the individuals themselves. However, addiction is far more complex than this simple explanation.
Join the challenge
Therefore, Sanca has launched the Kick your Habit campaign to raise awareness of the complexities related to addiction. Awareness is created by challenging the community to stop one negative habit for one week and thereby experience, albeit briefly, what a substance dependant might go through when addressing their addiction.
Whether your habit is caffeine, tobacco, chocolate, sugar or even shopping, is entirely up to the individual's discretion. However, it is important to consider your choice and select something that you know is a habit of yours.
Joining the challenge will show your support for the work Sanca does and will help develop an understanding for those living with substance use disorders. Are you up for the challenge?
For more information, contact the Sanca George office on 044 884 0674 or adminlivefree@sancageorge.org.za.
* The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) is a non-profit organisation that is committed to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders within all nine provinces of South Africa. Sanca George is proud to be part of this family and has been rendering services to the George community for the past 25 years.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
