Drugs and Substance Abuse in South Africa

Drug and substance abuse in South Africa is on the increase all the time, and the worst part is that now, kids as young as six years old are using tik and other drugs. Primary school children brag to their friend how drunk they got on the weekend, and how much marijuana they smoked with their friends. Is this really the world we want our kids to grow up in? These kids could be in rehab centres before they are even ten years old. Statistics are shocking; the age group of drug users in primary school, from smoking tik on a daily basis and taking ecstacy is between six and twelve years old. All of which is illegal, as you all should very well know.

The side effects of taking drugs are long-term as well as short-term, and are even worse in younger kids as their bodies and brains are still developing, and with the statistics of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa; this is really something to think about. Marijuana is one of the most common drugs in the country, but it is just as widely available as any other drug, even ecstacy can be obtained by children. As illegal as it may be, drugs are not difficult to get your hands on and this is the big problem. There is way too much freedom and leeway given, and this is why we are facing this sad dilemma today.

It really is sad to think of the amount of people who have given their lives to drugs, children and adults alike. Sure, there are plenty of rehab centres that addicts can go to, but it shouldn’t have to come to that! If the side effects of drugs aren’t enough to scare people away from it, then what is? Drugs and substance abuse in South Africa is scary, and we need to let our children know this.