Drug Abuse Treatment as HIV Prevention: Changes in Social Drug Use Patterns Might Also Reduce Risk

Background. The aim of the study was to explore the epidemiology of drug abuse treatment in South Africa.Methods. Treatment demand statistics were analysed from South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use records, and a rapid situation assessment was conducted. Twenty-one key informant interviews were conducted in all 9 provinces among provincial substance abuse co-ordinators, and one manager per treatment centre from a sample of treatment centres. Three focus groups were conducted and 46 self-administered questionnaires were distributed among inpatients at 2 selected treatment centres in Free State and North West provinces. Qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory, and quantitative data analysed using SPSS. Results. Treatment records show that the most frequent substance of abuse was alcohol (51%), followed by cannabis (21%), crack/cocaine (9.6%), heroin/opiates (7.9%), methamphetamine (Tik) (4.5%), prescription/over-the-counter drugs (2.0%), and cannabis/mandrax (1.7%). More substance abusers were male, of lower education, white or black, than were female, more highly educated, coloured and Indian/Asian. Key informant interviews showed that females are the ‘hidden’ substance abusers and tend not to be identified in research statistics and at treatment centres. Poverty, unemployment, lack of recreational facilities, being surrounded by substance abusers, and long work shifts were also mentioned as factors contributing to substance abuse. The age of initiation of substance abuse using non-drugs such as glue was 9 years old, alcohol 10 - 12 years old, dagga 11 - 12 years old, poly-drug use (alcohol, tobacco and dagga) 14 years old, and harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin at 16 - 17 years old, as reported by key informants. Family care and support, improved socio-economic conditions and increased law enforcement would help to discourage substance abuse.Conclusion. Prevention interventions and policies in South Africa should focus on reducing substance abuse by targeting the ‘at risk populations’ identified in this study.

Extent of Drug Abuse among Juvenile Offenders

Journal of Drug Issues ◽

10.1177/002204269302300310 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 515-524 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ken C. Winters ◽

Christine L. Weller ◽

James A. Meland

Keyword(s):

Drug Abuse ◽

Juvenile Offenders ◽

Drug Use ◽

Juvenile Detention ◽

Consumption Patterns ◽

Drug Abuse Treatment ◽

Treatment Needs ◽

Juvenile Detainees ◽

Problem Severity ◽

Abuse Treatment

The extent of drug abuse problem severity was measured in a sample of juvenile detention detainees. Contrary to existing studies that mostly focus on drug use consumption patterns in juvenile detainees, the present study quantified problem severity based on an adolescent drug abuse scale score. Findings indicate that among valid questionnaires, about 50% of the juvenile detainees scored in a elevated range, indicating a possible need for drug abuse treatment. Issues related to the measurement of problem severity and resulting treatment needs of youth held in juvenile detention settings are discussed.

The Correctional Opportunity: Pathways to Drug Treatment for Offenders

Journal of Drug Issues ◽

10.1177/002204269402400208 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 331-348 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Douglas S. Lipton

Keyword(s):

Drug Abuse ◽

Drug Use ◽

Drug Treatment ◽

Substance Abusers ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Drug Abuse Treatment ◽

Criminal Histories ◽

The Right ◽

Abuse Treatment ◽

Program Components

The incarceration of persons found guilty of various crimes who are also chronic substance abusers presents an important opportunity for treatment. It is an important opportunity because they would be unlikely to seek treatment on their own, without treatment they are very apt to continue their drug use and criminality after release, and cost effective drug abuse treatment methods are now available to treat them while in custody (both during incarceration and aftercare) and significantly alter their lifestyles. Correctional authorities should now feel optimistic that chronic heroin and cocaine users with predatory criminal histories can be treated effectively. This article shares the success of the Stay'n Out and Cornerstone Programs that have been successful with serious drug abusing offenders, and the factors that make for success. It is the proper program components joined by thoughtful leadership in the right setting. These principles are generalizable and transferable to many locations.

Drug abuse treatment as an HIV prevention strategy: a review

Drug and Alcohol Dependence ◽

10.1016/s0376-8716(99)00104-0 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 59 (1) ◽

pp. 17-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 220

Author(s):

James L. Sorensen ◽

Amy L. Copeland

Keyword(s):

Drug Abuse ◽

Hiv Prevention ◽

Prevention Strategy ◽

Drug Abuse Treatment ◽

Abuse Treatment

Drug use and cigarette smoking in applicants for drug abuse treatment

Journal of Substance Abuse ◽

10.1016/0899-3289(93)90060-o ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 175-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Michael J. Stark ◽

Barbara K. Campbell

Keyword(s):

Drug Abuse ◽

Drug Use ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Drug Abuse Treatment ◽

Abuse Treatment