Drug abuse programmes aim to reduce substance abuse in Tshwane’s communities

Drug abuse programmes aims to reduce substance abuse in Tshwane’s communities

Developing a drug addiction isn’t a character flaw or a sign of weakness, and it takes more than willpower to overcome this problem. Abusing illegal or certain prescription drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems or how many times you’ve tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always possible.

The City of Tshwane like other cities in the country and in the world is facing a substance abuse problem which hinders promotion of social cohesion and stable communities. Substance abuse is an originator to a range of traffic and violence related injuries, domestic violence, gang violence, robbery and assault. In addition, drugs and substance abuse damages the health of users and are linked to the rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases. The City of Tshwane through the involvement of other key role players and a number of initiatives in place has multilaterally tackled drug and substance abuse in the City.

The City’s drug abuse programmes rests on three pillars: demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction. Emerging from these pillars are the following programmes:

Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) & Partnerships- Empower NPO’s and partners to launch programs to counter drug and substance abuse related challenges in communities.
Communication- make use of media to create awareness and introduce support mechanisms.
Community programmes- support Community Substance Abuse Programme sites and walk-in centres
Treatment & Aftercare- harm reduction interventions regarding by conducting HIV testing and counselling, preventative infection support to stop the spread of infections by people who inject drugs.
Disrupting supply- support supply reduction initiatives through law enforcement education. Educate and communicate interventions to broaden the knowledge base of communities.
Re-integration – creating opportunities for employment and productivity across the city

Currently, the City of Tshwane operates seven community-oriented substance use programme sites in Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Hatfield, Daspoort, Atteridgeville, Eersterust, Sunnyside and the CBD.

The City’s Health Department is currently funding the evidence-based Community Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) of the Department of Home Medicine at the University of Pretoria. This programme is being rolled out in all focus areas.

Hopeline is a drug and substance abuse line established to offer a lifeline to drug users through an integrated approach. It links all stakeholders that play a role in the drug and substance abuse field and assist users with information and support related to services provided in the anti-drug and substance abuse programme.

The contact number for Hopeline is 0800 611 197 or 0800 467 647and we encourage all those affected to make use of this platform as we cultivate a drug-free, safe and inclusive Tshwane of opportunity.

City of Tshwane

Drug abuse programmes aim to reduce substance abuse in Tshwane’s communities

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