​The Gauteng Department of Social Development Springs Office on Thursday engaged the community of Tsakane in Ekurhuleni through local radio station EKFM on the dangers of substance use disorder and impact of substance induce psychosis in treatment and rehabilitation.
According to Social Work Supervisor, Bongiwe Dube, substance abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is one of the priority areas of the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

“Through this media campaign, we saw it befitting to engage communities on the dangers of substance use disorder and impact of substance induced psychosis.”

“Many individuals who develop substance use disorders are diagnosed with mental disorders such as bipolar, anxiety, delusions and hallucinations. There is a high rate of substance use disorder amongst the youth in our communities.”
“Young people suffering from substance use disorders also have a high rate of co-occurring mental illness. Substance induced psychosis has negative effects on treatment of substance use disorder,” said Dube.

Speaking in conversation with EKFM host, Thapelo Sibanyoni, Dube said substance use disorder, is a disorder caused by a continuous misuse of illicit or illegal substances in larger amount or longer period than prescribed. A person suffering from substance use disorder exhibits withdrawal symptoms when they did not use substances.

“Substance induced psychosis is also known as stimulant psychosis. It occurs if one experience episodes of psychosis such as delusions or hallucinations as direct result of substance misuse,” said Dube.

She added that all substances if they are misused they alter the functioning of the brain, and have a potential of causing substance induced psychosis.

Currently in Ekurhuleni, the drug of choice is crystal meth and as such, many of substance induced psychosis cases reported are due to abuse of crystal meth.

Dube further encouraged the community, especially those suffering from drug addiction and wish to receive treatment and rehabilitation to approach any Gauteng Department of Social Development office, where screening will first be conducted.