THE AGE RANGE OF PATIENTS IN TREATMENT WAS 10 TO 74 YEARS OLD

25 years, and 7% of those were between the ages of 10 and 14.

“There are also other factors involved, such as peer pressure – particularly when substance use is a norm; boredom, and the feeling of not having a sense of purpose can also be contributing factors, as can feelings of depression, anxiety, and lack of control,” Acker said.

The use of alcohol increased by 26% compared with 2016, when it rose 21%. The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance said this was mainly because alcohol was so accessible.

“The problem is there are too many illegal alcohol outlets in communities where people stay. What we should be looking into is raising the price of alcohol so that people can no longer afford it,” said spokesperson Aadielah Maker Diedericks.

Cocaine is the second most used substance in the Western Cape, with more than 29% of people at treatment centres admitted for using the substance.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched its Substance Abuse Awareness Week, which will include the marking of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking tomorrow.

“The department has allocated R104 million to continue our work in tackling this scourge, and since 2014 a total of 35 502 clients have accessed our substance abuse treatment services. Our campaign seeks to raise awareness about the dangers and effects of substance abuse, which includes alcohol abuse,” said MEC Albert Fritz.

The department had also expanded the adolescent Matrix Outpatient Programme to schools in Kuilsriver, Eerste River, Steenberg, Lavender Hill, Hout Bay and Elsies River, in addition to Child & Youth Care Centres. It also ran an inpatient treatment programme at Lindelani Youth Care Centre.