Drug abuse

South Africa is facing a national crisis over the ever increasing number of people - mainly youngsters - dependent on drugs and alcohol.

The school ground has become the primary place for drug sales as an increasing number of young people across the country become drug users.

Durban should brace itself for the arrival of Tik (crystal meth), a highly addictive drug plaguing the Western Cape, the Medical Research Council has warned.

South Africa has seen an explosive rise in the availability and rates of addiction for hard core drugs such as Mandrax, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. According to the latest edition of the SADC Epidemiology Network on Drug Use, South Africa consistently outstripped neighbouring countries in police seizures of hard drugs, as well as treatment demand and primary drug use. However, a lack of resources and capacity has severely curtailed the CDA's ability to carry out its mandate.