The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (Sanca) launched its drug awareness week on Friday under the theme "Kick the Habit!"

The growing drug problem needed urgent attention, Sama chairperson, Mzukisi Grootboom, said in a statement.

Drug users should be encouraged to access advice, counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and after care services.

"Drug abuse, of both illegal and over-the-counter medications, is seemingly growing in South Africa and needs to be dealt with with some degree of urgency," he said.

The list of addictive psychoactive drugs used in South Africa was long and complex, but the most commonly used drugs were alcohol, dagga, cocaine, and Mandrax. Others included nyaope (also called whoonga) and legal medications, including ARVs, pain killers, and cough syrup.

Grootboom said South Africa had the world’s highest fetal alcohol syndrome figures, and South African Police Service statistics showed that drug abuse accounted for 60 percent of all crime. The United Nations had recognised South Africa as the regional hub for drug trafficking and the largest transit zone for illicit drugs in Southern Africa.

"We need to stand together to deal with this and say enough is enough." Grootboom called on South Africans to join the fight and "kick the habit" for the duration of awareness week. He also urged parents to take a strong stand in discouraging their children from using drugs.

Drug Awareness Week runs from June 24 to 28 and will coincide with International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking on June 26.

ANA