4 days ago
South African Depression and Anxiety Group launch substance abuse WhatsApp line
THE South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), in partnership with the Department of Social Development, has launched the country's first WhatsApp chat platform to fight substance abuse, with a special focus on helping the youth.
Also read: Thabitha takes a stand: Fighting substance abuse
The Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Platform (087 163 2025) provides free, anonymous live chats with professional counsellors seven days a week from 08:00 until 17:00. The service hopes to provide greater access to assistance to South Africa's techno-savvy youth, who increasingly use instant messaging as the principal means of communicating.
Dr Busisiwe Twala, SADAG project manager, said the organisation decided to develop the campaign since there was a sharp rise in youth seeking assistance.
'Between April 2021 and March 2022, we have had 89 992 youths contact us through our existing helplines, an increase of 107% from 2020. Younger people use WhatsApp frequently and we believe that this new platform will offer more options when seeking support, guidance or help, whether for themselves or a family member,' said Twala.
The most at-risk group to drug abuse, young people aged 15-34, is estimated to grow over the next decade, especially in low-income countries, according to the World Drug Report 2021. The average age of drug dependency in South Africa is a staggering 12 years, with almost half of teenagers drinking alcohol. SADAG warns that widespread availability of drugs, peer pressure and socio-economic issues are fuelling the epidemic.
Contributing causes:
Peer pressure
Mental disorders like depression and anxiety, isolation, neglect by parents, poor social relation and poverty.
Abuse of substances is associated with crime, violence, bullying, academic underachievement and school dropout.
Most prevalent substances:
The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) reports that among those under 20 admitted to treatment centres in 2021, cannabis was the most common primary drug of use. Other widely abused substances include alcohol, crystal meth (tik), ecstasy, codeine, nyaope, flakka, cocaine and mandrax.
Warning signs of addiction:
Loss of interest in daily activities
Skipping school or dropping out
Associating with new friends who use substances
Moodiness, irritability or anxiety
Difficulty concentrating and lethargy
Aggressive behavior and fighting or criminal activity
Physical symptoms like red eyes, nose stuffiness, weight gain or loss
How to get help:
Use the Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Facility by contacting 087 163 2025.
Department of Social Development 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 12 13 14
Send an SMS to 32312
Early intervention can avert the terrible long-term consequences of substance abuse.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
