Substance Abuse Prevention In the SA National Defence Force

INTRODUCTION

The Surgeon General as the custodian of the health status of the members of the SANDF is tasked to ensure that the misuse of substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs do not influence the status of military security, operational readiness and discipline in the SANDF.

It is important to realise that the DOD is a micro-cosmos of the wider society and thus the prevalence within the DOD is representative of the population at large.

EFFECTS OF DRUGS

The abuse of drugs and alcohol has several negative effects on persons:
Physical deterioration of a person as these substances may cause damage to the cardio-vascular system, the liver and the brain.

The mental capacity of abusers is also adversely affected and may lead to diminishing intellect, concentration, memory and motor skills.

The above-mentioned medical conditions will certainly render a soldier unfit for operational deployment when diagnosed during a pre-deployment concurrent health assessment.

TOP TEN SUBSTANCES ABUSED.

The top ten substances that are currently abused in South Africa include the following:

Tobacco. Smoking of tobacco is still the biggest killer in South Africa.

Alcohol. Alcohol is the most widely abused legal substance in the country.

Cannabis (or Dagga). This drug is the most widely abused illegal substance in the country.

Mandrax (Methaqualone). Mandrax is similar in effect to barbiturates. It was used in the 1960s and 1970s for the treatment of insomnia and as a sedative. Smoking cannabis laced with methaqualone has become a major problem in South Africa, rivalling crack cocaine as the most abused hard drug.

Prescription Medication. There is an increasing tendency in legal prescriptions for benzodiazepine related products, as well as opiates and Ritalin.

Amphetamines. There is an increase in illegal “meth-laboratories” in the country. Amphetamines (eg Ecstasy) are known as one of the “club drugs” and is popular among young adults in this country.

Cocaine. This destructive drug is mostly abused by higher income groups.

Inhalants. Abuse of inhalants is on the rise among the youth. The latest dangerous drug craze is to mix inhalants with other mixtures such as lighter fluid mixed with cough syrup (“Robo Fire”) or correctional fluid mixed with Ritalin (“White Out”). The mood altering effects are similar to LSD or cocaine.

Heroin. This is a highly addictive drug.

Steroids. Although steroids have horrible side effects, it is still abused by athletes.

TEST TYPES

The five primary types of substances tests include the testing of urine, blood, hair, saliva, and sweat. Most common is the urine test, which has the benefit of being inexpensive and less invasive than the blood test.

If you know someone with a drug related problem or you suspect someone has a drug related problem please contact your nearest sickbay for professional advice.

Enquiries: Directorate Medicine and Directorate Occupational Health and Safety
Telephone: 012 367 9156/7