Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse in South Africa

Substance abuse is a serious problem in South Africa. Common substances include alcohol, tobacco, dagga (cannabis), tik (methamphetamine), and nyaope. These substances damage the brain, heart, lungs, and liver and lead to addiction.

Example

Understanding the Risks

Alcohol: impairs judgement, damages the liver. Tik: highly addictive, causes brain damage. Dagga: affects memory and motivation. Nyaope: extremely addictive, causes severe health deterioration. The younger you start, the higher the risk of addiction.

Note

Remember

Peer pressure is a major reason teens try substances. Practise refusal skills and choose friends who respect your decisions. If you or someone you know needs help, contact SANCA or your school counsellor.

Key Vocabulary

Substance abuseThe harmful use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances

AddictionA physical or psychological dependence on a substance

Refusal skillsTechniques for saying no to negative peer pressure

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Substance abuse

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