The age when kids in South Africa start trying drugs is getting lower. Recent studies show worrying trends in early drug use. Many kids are trying drugs as young as 12. This early exposure can harm brain development and increase the risk of addiction later on. Reasons for trying drugs early include peer pressure, curiosity, and easy access. In some communities, using drugs is seen as normal.

Teachers and parents should know about this trend to begin prevention efforts sooner. Talking about drugs should start in primary school to help kids make smart choices.

There are several reasons why young people in South Africa might start using drugs. Knowing these reasons can help us stop it from happening.

• Money problems are a big part of it. When families have little money, no jobs, or no chances for the future, kids might try drugs to escape or feel better.

• Family issues matter too. If parents aren't around much, or there's drug use in the family, or parents don't keep an eye on their kids, it can lead to kids trying drugs.

• Mental health problems, like not feeling happy or scared, can make kids turn to drugs to feel better. Things like sadness, fear, and bad experiences are common reasons.

• Friends' influence and wanting to be part of the group also play a big role. In some schools, using drugs might seem "cool" or normal. that addressing these risk factors through comprehensive community and school-based programs can significantly reduce youth substance abuse rates.

Recognizing the early warning signs of substance use is crucial for timely intervention. Parents and educators should be vigilant for the following indicators:

Behavioral changes are often the first noticeable signs. These may include:

• Sudden mood swings or irritability

• Decreased interest in hobbies or activities

• Unexplained need for money or financial problems

• Changes in friends or social circles

Physical symptoms can also indicate substance use:

• Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Poor hygiene or changes in appearance

• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

Academic performance often suffers. Look out for:

• Declining grades

• Increased absenteeism

• Lack of motivation or concentration in class

It's important to remember that these signs don't necessarily mean drug use, but they warrant further investigation and open communication with the young person.

Research shows that early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for youth struggling with substance use.

Providing easy-to-use support resources for teens is important to help with substance use. These resources should be made to fit the needs and likes of young people.

Helplines and online support give help without needing to say who you are:

• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has a helpline open 24/7

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567

Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14

SMS Support: 32312

WhatsApp (Cipla Mental Health Line): 076 882 2775 (Available 8am–5pm)

• Ke-Moja, a WhatsApp service, offers information and help for teens about substance use: 

WhatsApp Number: 087 163 2025; 8am–5pm, 7 days a week.

Support groups can give peer support and a sense of belonging:

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has meetings just for young people in many places

• School-based support groups can be safe places for students to share and get help.

Mobile apps and websites are for teens who like technology:

• Apps like "I Am Sober" offer ways to track progress and stay motivated

• Websites like LoveLife provide easy-to-understand information about health topics, including substance use.

It's very important to talk about these resources a lot and make sure young people know how to use them without anyone else knowing. Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers should all help spread this information.

Nyaope, also called whoonga, has a lot of myths and false ideas around it. It's important to know the truth to deal with the problem well.

What is Nyaope?

• It's a mix mainly made of heroin and cannabis.

• Sometimes it's mixed with other things like drugs for HIV or rat poison.

• It's very addictive and can be deadly.

Common myths busted:

• Myth: Nyaope has HIV drugs in it. Fact: While some people say this, HIV drugs aren't a usual part.

• Myth: "Bluetoothing" (sharing blood after injecting) gets you high. Fact: This dangerous thing doesn't make you high and spreads diseases.

Knowing the real facts about nyaope is important to stop and treat it the right way. Research shows that teaching the real dangers of nyaope works better than using myths to scare people.

Nyaope addiction affects not just the person using it, but whole communities in important ways.

Economic impact:

• Many addicts don’t have jobs

• Crime goes up because users steal to pay for their habit

• Community resources and healthcare systems get strained

Social consequences:

• Families fall apart

• Users get stigmatized, making it harder for them to recover

• Homelessness and vagrancy rise in the areas affected

The widespread use of nyaope in some communities leads to a cycle of poverty and addiction that’s hard to break. It's important to tackle both the addiction itself and the underlying economic and social issues that add to its spread.

Community-based actions focusing on education, prevention, and family support can help reduce these effects. Studies show that solutions involving many different people are most successful in tackling the nyaope problem.