In recent years, South Africa has seen an explosion in the consumption of hard drugs, especially heroin, according to a study published in the "Journal of Illicit Economies and Development".
"More than 400,000 people use heroin daily in South Africa in 2020, which represents more than 1% of the country's adult population," highlighted the authors of the study, which analyzes the drivers of this phenomenon and the policies required to address it.
Nearly 155,000 kilograms of heroin were consumed in 2020. The study notes that in 2015, 110,000 people were using this highly powerful and addictive drug.
Citing figures from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the study reports that in 2012, nearly 12% of all individuals who went to rehabilitation centers in the country were addicted to opioids, a class of drugs that includes heroin. A decade later, this figure had risen to nearly 18%.
The social and economic malaise in South Africa contributes to the current drug crisis.
With contributions from the Federation of African Press Agencies (Faapa).
The study further explores the impact of the drug crisis on South Africa's public health systems. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers are increasingly overwhelmed by the number of individuals seeking treatment for drug addiction, which is straining resources and highlighting the need for a more robust healthcare infrastructure.
Policy makers are urged to consider a variety of responses, including stricter drug enforcement laws, increased funding for drug education programs, and expanded access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
Community outreach programs are also recommended as a way to educate the public about the dangers of drug use and to prevent the spread of addiction. These programs could include partnerships with local schools, community centers, and religious organizations to provide comprehensive education and support to at-risk populations.
The study concludes by calling for an integrated approach that combines law enforcement, public education, and healthcare services to effectively tackle the heroin crisis in South Africa.
