Drug addiction in South Africa has not been well documented historically. It is only in more recent years that statistical evidence has been available that could be studied to determine the full effects of drug use in South Africa. The majority of drug users in this country are younger people, usually below the age of 30 which is a common trend shared around the world. Younger people are more susceptible to developing a drug addiction due to peer pressure, a heightened sense of natural curiosity and general life inexperience. With older people mostly preoccupied with more responsibilities, drugs are made more available to youths for recreational purposes.
South African drugs can be divided into different groupings. Statistically the largest used drug is alcohol, followed by dagga (cannabis). Cocaine, Mandrax and over the counter medication that is overused are also very popular. Heroin, LSD, speed, hashish and ecstasy (MDMA) are used less often. South Africans drink well over 6 billion litres of alcohol each year, about 55% of which is malt beer. There are growing concerns that the amount drunk per head is increasing annually.
The most popular method for taking drugs besides pharmaceuticals seems to be smoking them. Records show that most drug users are male. Drugs such as dagga/Mandrax and solvents like wood glue are more often used by those from poorer backgrounds while heroin and cocaine are used by middle and upper classes of the economic spectrum due to the cost of these narcotics. There is also evidence that misuse of all alcohol and drugs is more prevalent in townships and urban settlements than rural areas with drug addiction being commonly found in African (black) individuals as young as 14. Extensive use of alcohol abuse has been found in the mining and agricultural sectors of the economy. The drug rehab in Johannesburg have increased with patients during the past year.
South African drug users can be found in all racial and cultural groups but addiction is particularly prevalent in poorer black communities. Statistical information on drug use in all parts of South Africa can be found at www.sahealthinfo.org which provides comprehensive demographic analysis.