South African Association Of Social Workers in Private Practice, Johannesburg

I have been involved with treatment of substance abusers the last 15 years in Witbank.Emalahleni is regarded as the town with the second highest incidence of substance abuse in RSA.Approximtely 65% of all youths between the ages of 16 to 24 are addicted to Nyaope the drug of choice in this area( a mixture of dagga and heroin) although all other drugs are freely available The Central Drug Authority has opened an office in Emalahleni due to this problem. This problem can not be curbed unless there is a movement to create employment for these youths who illegally mine coal at open pits and revert to crime to satisfy their needs This together with treatment will not solve the problem unless communities become involved and sufficient aftercare facilities are created.Drug reducction will fail if members of the SAPS keep on protecting the pushers and associate freely with them Due to the cost involved in the treatment of the addicts payment of consultation fees will only drive users to desperation in stead of seeking treatment. Fortunately there has been a break trough made with Dept of Health who will provide medication on a "need to have" basis at clinics and hospitals to treat these youths.