Substance abuse by children under the age of 16 years is becoming more prevalent across the Tshwane area.
This revelation was made by Bruce Collins from the Gauteng Department of Social Development Tshwane Region during the regional International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event hosted in Atteridgeville at Mbolekwa Community Hall last Thursday.
The day is observed annually on 26 June, following a declaration by the United Nation's General Assembly in 1987. The decision was made as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
According to Collins, his statement is confirmed by South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) sourced from a Castle Carey Clinic in Pretoria which compiles reports on extent of drug abuse among youth.
He said, "The report categorically states that nyaope is becoming more popular among children, especially in Northern townships of Tshwane. Although the clinic had treated only one patient under the age of 13 in 2005, the clear majority of the patients, around 75%, were children between the ages of 14 and 16 ".
Recovering drug addict Khutsho Masopa (29) from Saulsville near Atteridgeville, who started experimenting with nyaope in 2012, said quitting drugs is a battle that requires determination. He said even though he has been clean for the last seven years, he takes each day as it comes.
Masopa who survived the streets of Pretoria for two years after stealing and hurting his family said recovery requires treatment and after care programs.