Ventersdorp- Drug treatment services are still under utilised despite government’s efforts to educate communities about the dangers of drugs, West MEC for Social Development Fenny Gaolaolwe said on Thursday.

“The department is currently providing drug treatment services through Witrand Hospital and Sanpark Alcohol and Drug Centre. These facilities are not being fully utilised by community members especially those that are adversely affected by drugs,” Gaolaolwe said, adding that the aim of treatment they offer is not only to stop drug abuse but to make sure that the addicts are returned to the community or workplace being a healthy and productive people.

Yesterday MEC Gaolaolwe deployed a team of government officials and stakeholders to Rysmierbult, Klippan farms and extension 5 and 6 at Tshing township in Ventersdorp local municipality to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse and conscientise the residents about effective treatment services offered by the department.

These areas Gaolaolwe said are known to be the hotspots areas where drug abuse is common and the users had little or no information about the way to escape the addiction.

About 150 households were targeted in the area. Saints Care Givers, an organisation rendering substance abuse prevention services in Ventersdorp earlier reported that dagga, alcohol and home-made concoctions are the most commonly used drugs in the area.

“It is so disturbing that the referrals from this area are the lowest while the use of drugs escalates,” Gaolaolwe said.

She said preparations are underway to take a fully fledged provincial event on substance abuse to Ventersdorp in July.

Today the United Nations member states commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under theme: “Drugs: Treatment Works.” The anti-drug day is observed annually on the 26 June to raise public awareness on the fight against drug abuse and promote of preventative measures.-TDN
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