More funding for addictions in S. Africa

In the past addictions have been seen as a rather low level problem, and one that primarily affects the individual in question, and relatively little effort had been made to try and help those suffering from the disease.  However in recent years more and more countries have come to recognise that addiction is a real problem, affecting not only the person but the nation as a whole, and whilst in the past funding for addiction treatment was limited, many nations are now much more open to the idea of increasing funding to help those suffering from the disorder, and now recognise that this approach is likely to benefit the nation as a whole as well as the individual. 

The most recent account of a country boosting the budget for alcoholism and drug addictions, is South Africa, who have increased the amount of money available for the treatment of addiction in the hope that this will help reduce the burden of healthcare agencies, who would normally have to treat the related illnesses, as well as the justice system who would otherwise be picking these individuals up and using resources to deal with them (All Africa, 2021).  They also hope that if more people are treated for addictions, the overall levels of crime will decrease, not only having a positiev fiscal impact for the government, but also boosting morale of communities who may be fearful for their safety. 

Should the strategy have the desired effect it will positively affect the lives of individuals, local communities and the nation as a whole, and will hopefully mean that fewer people die as a result of addiction and more people are offered the chance to regain control over their lives once more.

All Africa.  (2021).  South Africa: Millions for Western Cape substance abuse programs.  Sourced from: http://allafrica.com/stories/201309121020.html

Published by PCUG Addiction Treatment on 23/09/2020.