Durban – The Durban University of Technology (DUT) on Thursday hosted a drug and alcohol abuse awareness programme in partnership with Student Governance.
Student Counselling spokesperson Ntokozo Joyful Gcabashi said the programme aimed to enlighten students about the perils of drug and alcohol abuse.
“We all know that South Africa is one of the top five countries in consumption of alcohol which is alarming,” said Gcabashi.
The youth were also consuming concerning amounts of alcohol.
Candice Leith, a psychologist from the DUT Steve Biko Campus, warned that the long-term effect of substance abuse leads to various medical health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other social problems.
Leith said: “You can prioritise your mental health by getting mental services support… such as student counselling, and also speaking to your trusted friends because it is important to prioritise that.”
More than 50 students engaged in discussions at the Ritson DUT campus about avoiding substance abuse. Masoja Msiza, better known as Nkunzebomvu Mhlongo on TV show, Uzalo, was a guest speaker.
Msiza said, “everyone has a responsibility”, and students need to have mentors and be examples themselves because “a lot of people look up to them”.
He said he used to look up to his older brothers who were in high school when he was young.
“What I can say is that responsibility is what all we have to be, not only for ourselves but also for people around us,” said Msiza.
Speaking on behalf of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Wandile Mncube, said the student body supports the anti-substance abuse initiative.
Mncube said the SRC was ready to help students to avoid “parasitic substances abuse”.
He said students involved in substance abuse would likely see their pass rate drop.
Their mental health could also be affected.
The program was created to intervene and assist students cope with the pressures that lead them to substance abuse.
DUT student, Amahle Nkali said: “I think one of the things that lead to substance abuse as a student is academic stress, and things that happen at their homes as well as difficult relationships that can also be a source of problems”.
The Department of Social Development warns that the scourge of alcohol, drug, and substance abuse knows no bounds and cuts across race, class, or social barriers.
Such abuse contributes to violent crimes, road fatalities as well as gender-based violence and femicide.
South Africa was identified in 2022 by Harm Reduction International in its Global State of Harm Reduction report as having become one of the world’s largest methamphetamine markets.
For more information and assistance in fighting substance abuse, call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24 hour Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 12 13 14.
You can also call the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) on 011 892 3829 or send a WhatsApp message to 076 535 1701.
