Why does South Africa treat drug addiction as a criminal problem, rather than a health one?
The national drug master plan says human rights — instead of prejudice — should underpin the country’s fight against drugs
South Africa’s national drug master plan recognises drug addiction as a chronic disease that affects the brain and behaviour. It says human rights — instead of prejudice — should underpin the country’s fight against drugs. That’s why it recommends harm reduction strategies, such as opioid replacement therapy, where drug users are given methadone to curb their withdrawal symptoms and to eventually wean some of them off opioids. But instead, police follow the Drugs & Drug Trafficking Act of 1992, (https://url.za.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VGaYCX6X1zI78yQKu7C6FW4-ez?domain=justice.gov.za)which says drug use is criminal.Police target low-level drug mules and go through a cycle of arrests and reoffending that wastes resources and achieves little.Here’s why — and how — we should treat addiction as a public health, rather than a criminal, problem.
This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism (https://url.za.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/r84cCY6Y2AIonJ7lujFGFxyk9a?do...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.