Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
27 June 2024 | 15:07 CAT

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This week is Drug Awareness Week. During this week, experts are putting the focus on Drug overuse, Misuse and Abuse. The scourge of alcohol, drug and substance abuse knows no bounds and cuts across race, class and social barriers.

Substance abuse destroys the fabric of our society. It contributes significantly to a range of health-related conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and mental disorders.

The Independent Community Pharmacy Association has issued a stark warning: the escalating abuse of over-the-counter drugs in South Africa is a pressing public health challenge. This week, the South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence is intensifying efforts to raise awareness about this alarming trend.

The association’s CEO, Jackie Maimin, calls on the public to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to promote a world free of drug abuse.

“According to the latest research, almost 20 percent of South Africans that are 1 out of every 5 adults are abusing or misusing mind-altering substances which is quite frightening,” Maiman pointed out in an Interview on Radio Islam International.

Maiman highlighted the type of mind-altering substances favoured by users and abusers.

Alcohol subscribed medicines like painkillers and dagga are the main offenders, readily available and socially more acceptable than hard drugs.

According to Maimin, illicit drugs fall into three different categories—the uppers, which are cocaine, ecstasy, crack and Tuk. The downers are heroin and mandrax.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on 26 June.

The United Nations General Assembly established the day, which is commonly known as World Drug Day, in 1987 to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise.

World Drug Day serves as a powerful reminder of the global commitment required to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It’s a call to action for all of us to contribute to this mission through education, support, and rehabilitation.

World Drug Day underscores the significance of investing in prevention and understanding the importance of effective drug policies. These policies, based on science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights, empower us to make informed decisions and take meaningful action against drug abuse.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.