Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jun 2008
Source: Sowetan (South Africa)
Copyright: 2008 Sowetan
Contact:  http://www.sowetan.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4558
Author: Namhla Tshisela
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DAGGA 'THE SCOURGE OF SA'

South Africans are more likely to cause injuries to themselves and 
others, commit crimes, miss work and engage in risky sexual behaviour 
because of alcohol and drug use.

This was said by Deputy Minister of Social Development Jean 
Swanson-Jacobs at the commemoration of International Day against Drug 
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Chris Hani Stadium in Orange Farm, 
Vaal, yesterday.

"Global statistics show that South Africans are much more likely than 
any other country's citizens to cause injury or death to themselves 
and to others when intoxicated.

"In a World Health Organisation study last year on the relationship 
between alcohol and injuries conducted among people admitted to 
emergency rooms of 12 medical centres in 12 countries, South Africa 
had the highest number of injury cases where alcohol was consumed in 
the six hours before admittance," Swanson-Jacobs said.

She said dagga and alcohol were the most widely used substances . 
"Estimates are that 2,2 million people use dagga. In the second 
category is cocaine, heroin, speed, LSD, hashish, Ecstasy and tik," she said.

Swanson-Jacobs said the most effective way of combating drug abuse 
involved reducing the supply of drugs through law enforcement .
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom