Substance and drug abuse in South Africa

Abstract

Substance and drug abuse is a major health problem that exerts a heavy toll on our society in terms of economic costs and human suffering. There is an unwillingness to recognise the distinction between the concept of illicit drug use and the realities of hard-core abuse. Addictive behaviour involves a wide range of substances. It includes abuse of or dependencies on nicotine, banned or illegal drugs, psychoactive medications and alcohol.