The cost of addiction in South Africa has increased over the past few years, with a high number of drug users in SA. The prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse has serious consequences on people’s health, family life, finances and career or occupation. So, what does it cost to be a drug addict in South Africa? We take a look at some of the costs associated with substance abuse and how to get help if you or someone you know need treatment.

Addiction Treatment

In South Africa, the average cost of addiction treatment varies from one rehab centre to another. Generally, the cost includes rehabilitation, counselling and medication among other services. It is worth noting that rehab is essential for drug, alcohol and substance abusers in South Africa because, if left unchecked, other social ills like crime and violence could arise. The bottom line is that the cycle of addiction is a costly one to society in general; financially and otherwise.  

Alcohol Abuse

According to the World Health Organization, alcohol abuse costs South Africa over R10 billion per year. This includes the cost of health care, lost productivity, and law enforcement. Alcohol-related crime is a major problem in South Africa, with nearly 60% of all murders and 30% of all rapes being committed while under the influence. And it’s not just the criminal justice system that feels the strain – alcohol abuse puts a heavy burden on families as well. One in four children in South Africa lives with a parent who abuses alcohol.

People with an alcohol problem are often more likely to suffer from other addictions as well. This puts them at a higher risk for health problems such as cancer, liver disease, and heart disease, as well as death by overdose or suicide.

Drug Abuse

In South Africa, the cost of drug abuse is high. Not only does it take a toll on the addict’s health, but it also affects their families, friends and society as a whole. The financial burden of addiction can be crushing, with addicts spending large amounts of money on drugs and alcohol. This often leads to criminal activity to get money to fund their habit. The human cost is also high, with addicts often losing their jobs, homes and relationships. Addiction can destroy lives and tear families apart. It is a problem that affects us all and one that we need to address as a society.

As mentioned earlier, illicit drugs are expensive and addicts often need to commit criminal acts such as robbery or prostitution to get money to buy them. Addicts also spend large amounts on alcohol: a litre bottle of spirits or strong beer will set you back R100 to R200 depending on where you live; however it is easy for drinkers to quickly spend double or triple that amount when frequenting bars and nightclubs.

Addicted People’s Loved Ones

Addiction takes a toll on not just the addict, but also their loved ones. If you have a family member or friend who is struggling with addiction, you know how difficult it can be to watch them suffer and feel helpless. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells, never knowing what to expect. Maybe you’ve even given up hope that things will ever get better. But it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, and there is always hope for recovery at New Day Rehabilitation Centre, a renowned Gauteng Rehab.

While it’s easy to feel hopeless, it’s important not to give up on your loved one. Research shows that drug and alcohol addicts who receive effective professional treatment usually make a full recovery with sustained sobriety. 

Physical Cost of Drug Use

Drug use can cause several physical health problems, including liver and kidney damage, lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Drug use can also lead to cancer, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. In addition to the physical effects of drug use, there are also mental and emotional effects to consider. Drug addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It can also lead to social isolation and financial problems.

When you’re addicted to drugs, your body develops a tolerance for them. This means that it needs increasingly higher doses to get high or achieve the desired effect. Over time, taking more and more drugs can lead to organ damage or even death. Taking too much of any drug can lead to overdose and death. Because drugs suppress important systems within your body, including your brain and respiratory system, they can cause coma or even stop breathing completely.

Financial Costs

Addiction is a costly disease, both financially and emotionally. In South Africa, the financial costs of addiction can be quite high. Drug and alcohol addicts often have to spend money on drugs or alcohol, which can lead to financial problems. They may also miss work or have accidents, which can add to the financial burden. Addiction treatment can also be expensive, especially if it requires inpatient care. The emotional costs of addiction can be even higher than the financial ones. Addiction can destroy relationships, cause problems at work, and lead to mental and physical health problems. It can also lead to criminal activity, which can have serious consequences.

The financial costs of drug and alcohol addiction are significant. Drug rehab can be expensive and requires a long-term commitment. While short-term inpatient treatment is often covered by insurance or medical aid, extended stays or outpatient treatment may not be. Many people with substance abuse problems also have criminal records, which makes finding employment more difficult and leads to other financial difficulties. Seeking treatment for drug and alcohol problems can help you get your life back on track, but it does come at a price. The emotional costs can also be significant, especially if you’re an addict whose own behaviour has hurt relationships with family members or friends who refuse to take you back into their lives.

Personal Relations Impacted by Addiction

Addiction doesn’t just impact the addict, it impacts everyone around them. Families and friends suffer along with the addict as they watch them spiral out of control. It’s not uncommon for addicts to lose their jobs, homes, and even their families as a result of their addiction. Even if you’re lucky enough to be able to get away from an addict, chances are they’ll follow you wherever you go because addiction is all-consuming.

Often when people aren’t addicted to drugs or alcohol they’re tempted to go on a bender and get themselves drunk. Although it may not seem like your life is impacted by addiction, you’re in fact creating more than just a mess for yourself. The truth is that everyone around you will suffer as well. Friends and family who are close to you could be pulled into your little drunken escapade, even if you don’t want them there.

Deaths Due to Drugs and Alcohol

According to News24, in 2018, 80% of South Africa’s male youth deaths were alcohol-related, and drug consumption was twice the world norm. Drug use is also on the rise, with heroin and methamphetamine being the most commonly used drugs.  Further, nearly a quarter of all deaths due to alcohol are due to suicide, which is why many experts agree that the link between mental health and substance abuse must be considered. 

So,  what does it cost to be an addict in South Africa? Loss of life is often the answer to that question.  On average, death due to drug overdose can happen between 1 – 3 hours after an overdose intake. Alcohol poisoning also takes hours to kill you, but can still lead to permanent brain damage and liver disease. There’s no doubt that addicts face challenges every day to keep their habits going – challenges such as getting money for drugs, finding the time during work hours to get high, or negotiating withdrawal symptoms if they’re trying to quit. J

The Mental Health and Emotional Effects of Addiction 

No one wakes up and decides to become an addict. It is a battle that is fought every day, and sometimes it is a battle that is lost. Addiction does not discriminate. It does not care how much money you have in the bank or what your job title is. Addiction will take everything from you if you let it. You may find yourself homeless on the streets, with nothing but the clothes on your back and a small bag of belongings. You may lose custody of your children because you were too busy trying to make sure that there was enough alcohol or drugs for tonight instead of taking care of them. You might end up in jail because you stole something so that you could feed your habit. You might die because when this disease has taken over, death is often just another step along the way.

Begin a New Addiction-Free Day at New Day Rehabilitation Centre 

New Day Rehabilitation Centre is a drug and alcohol rehab in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cost of addiction in South Africa is high, but the cost of treatment at New Day is much lower, thus making it an affordable rehab. They are proud of their success rate which they owe to their comprehensive programme that includes detoxification, individual and group therapy, and aftercare planning. Their goal is to help you achieve sobriety and live a healthy, productive life. Get in touch with them!

This article was first published at https://topclickblogs.co.za/the-high-cost-of-addiction-in-south-africa/