WAKING UP TO THE REALITY OF DRUG ABUSE

There has been much activity in Cape Town over the past few days aimed at
creating awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This has much to do
with the observance last Thursday, June 26, of International Day Against
Drug Abuse.

And this week experts from the United States and South Africa are again
meeting in Cape Town to discuss research on drug abuse at a time when drug
and alcohol abuse among the youth has reached alarming proportions.

At last week's launch in Cape Town of Ke Moja - a drug awareness campaign
aimed at young people - it was stated that the average age of first-time
drug users had dropped to 12.1 years and 45% of high school pupils had
experimented with drugs, while 32% of them are habitual users.

Similarly, we should be concerned when a survey shows that Grade 11 pupils
are using alcohol regularly and children as young as nine are nursing
hangovers in the classroom. Scary stuff, indeed.

Both alcohol and drugs cloud the senses and may lead to irresponsible
behaviour in young people in the experimental phase of their lives. This is
highly dangerous in a country like South Africa with a high prevalence of
HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted diseases.

All South Africans need to be educated about the dangers of drug and
alcohol abuse. Above all, parents need to set an example and start
educating their children about the dangers of consuming alcohol and taking
drugs. This deserves year-round vigilance and action - not just as part of
activities to mark one day on the calendar