Extent and Influence of Recreational Drug Use on Men and Women Aged 15 Years and Older in South Africa

Abstract

Illicit drug use negatively affects development of human and physical capital of any nation. Huge financial resources are allocated to prevent and curb illicit drug use. The use of these drugs continue to spread across race and age groups, despite application of various control measures. The information provided in this paper contributes towards understanding the extent and influence of illicit drugs use in South Africa. A population-based national HIV prevalence, behaviour and health survey conducted in 2008, incorporated questions on the extent and use of illicit drugs. A multistage random population sample of 15 845 persons aged 15 years or older (58% women and 42% men) was included in the survey. The use of combined illicit drugs excluding cannabis was reported by 1.7% of the 13 119 participants, and including cannabis by 4.3 % of the 13 128 participants. The Coloured men (14.3%) were the most likely to use cannabis, where as the Indian women (0.6%) were the least likely. The urban residents (5.4%) were more likely to report use of any illicit drug including cannabis than rural dwellers (2.5%). Illicit drug use has a high association with illnesses thus call for interventions to address this serious problem.

University Students’ Views Regarding Reasons for Drug Abuse Among Youths

“…On an annual basis, drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and so on cause the deaths of 200,000 people worldwide; drug abuse also leads to the disintegration of families ( 1 ). Furthermore, it imposes heavy economic and social costs through its effects on human health and increased crime and death in community; thus, it has become a major threat to society ( 2 ). Although massive resources are dedicated to preventing the spread of drug abuse, it is common in the community regardless of people’s age, economic status, education level, race or ethnicity, and location.…”

Prevalence of Multiple Addictions and Current Treatment by Drug Treatment Centres in Durban, South Africa

“…Abuse of substances in South Africa is acknowledged as either causing or being linked to numerous social problems, including domestic violence, road accidents and crime, in addition to adding to the country's already high burden of disease (Njuho & Davids, 2011;Seggie, 2012). These factors led to the conclusion that substance abuse is the "primary underlying cause of social ills" (Department of Social Development, 2012:42).…”

Identifying community risk factors for HIV among South African adolescents with mental health problems: A qualitative study of parental perceptions

“…South African youth report using dagga (cannabis) in the past month (9%), ever having used heroin (12%), and ever having used mandrax (methaqualone) and cocaine (6% each) (Reddy et al 2010). Secondary data analyses from the 2008 national population-based HIV household survey in South Africa revealed 3.3% cannabis use and less than 1% other drug use among 15-19 year olds (Njuho and Davids 2010). Cannabis use also increased among 13-19 year olds in Cape Town from 1993 to 2002 (Peltzer and Ramlagan 2007).…”