Substance abuse encompasses the harmful and hazardous use of a wide range of substances, including alcohol, drugs, and even certain prescription medications.
Beyond the immediate effects of intoxication, substance abuse carries a heavy burden, impacting physical and mental health, relationships, families, and overall well-being.
As the impact of substance abuse is far-reaching and contributes to health problems, Health For Mzansi has tackled various articles related to substance abuse, aiming to empower with information to make informed choices and seek help when needed.
Young people: Sex, booze and drugs driving health decay
As young people go about the challenges of adolescence and adulthood, there are numerous health concerns that can affect their quality of life and well-being. Role players in the health sector have identified a few key areas of health concerns for young people today, including HIV, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide.
This article features on some of the biggest health concerns affecting South Africa’s youth, including substance abuse.
How painkillers can go from being a relief to a risk
Addiction to pain medication is easier and much more common than you think.
What begins as an innocent prescription for healing, can swiftly transform into an addiction if you’re not careful. With their promise of temporary relief, the very relief painkillers provide can become a trap for some people.
This article features some stories of those who overcame their dependence on pills and powders and a doctor also unpacks symptoms and treatments.
Medication: Let’s talk about ‘legal drug’ addiction
An addiction to medicines may go unnoticed by close family, colleagues, and friends. However, these “legal drugs” can do more harm than good if they become a source of dependence.
A need for weed: Why cannabis is dangerous for teens
The stigma against cannabis use in Mzansi may have declined over the years but parents continue to warn their teens against the dangers of smoking marijuana. And it turns out, that they have a right to be concerned.
According to research lead Dr Will Lawn, adolescents who used cannabis were more likely to have higher levels of subclinical depression or anxiety than adults who use cannabis, and were even more vulnerable than adult users to the associations with psychotic-like symptoms.
Addiction: Life after recovery
When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.
Thousands of South Africans are affected daily by drug and alcohol abuse, but no matter how dismal the situation appears, it is never too late to get help.
In this article, Health For Mzansi citizens share their stories of recovery.
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