Pope Francis Cautions Youths in Southern Africa to Be Aware of the “traps” of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse is a significant issue in Southern Africa, with recent reports highlighting its extensive social and health costs.

According to a report that the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg released in January this year, alcohol remains the most abused substance in South Africa, contributing to many social ills, including gender-based violence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and high mortality rates among young men.

In another study released in August 2020, SACBC found that alcohol plays a role in 80 percent of deaths among young men and is a leading contributor to interpersonal violence and mental health disorders.

The region’s socio-economic conditions, easy access to alcohol, and inconsistent law enforcement, according to the reports, exacerbate the problem. The report cites Western Cape as the most affected from by the highest rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders globally, linked to historical practices like the "dop" system, where workers were partly paid in alcohol.

According to the report, Drug abuse has also surged across the region, with South Africa seeing a sharp rise in the use of illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin. This increase in substance abuse is tied to trafficking routes and weak regulation, making it a growing public health crisis.

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Despite some efforts to address the issue, such as legislation aimed at controlling alcohol sales and preventing risky drinking, enforcement remains weak, especially in areas like taverns, where underage drinking and extended operating hours are common, the SACBC 2020 report indicates

The report also indicates that intervention programs and forums exist but are underutilized, partly due to stigma and poor communication strategies.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.