Christelike Afhanklikheidsdiens

5.  CHANGES IN THE ADDICTION PATTERN

Reliable research shows that the abuse and abuse patterns of substance dependence are changing and that the numbers and variety of substance dependents are increasing. It is shown, for example, that:

Between 10% and 33% of adults suffer from alcohol dependence, that means between 1,8 and 3 million South Africans;
25% of pre-teens experimented with drugs, that means round about 2,5 million;
47% of substance dependents use alcohol as first choice;
About 9% of drug dependents use cocaine as their first choice;
2% choose heroine.

“New” drugs and so called “designer drugs” make their appearance every day. For example, to name but two: Crystal Methamphetamine (tic) made its appearance and is cheap and readily available.

The effect of the drug trade on the economy is well known, as well as the correlation between substance dependence, unemployment, criminal behaviour and violence. It is generally accepted that the drug trade is the second largest industry in the world, just smaller than the weapon trade and larger than prostitution.

1.  Role of the CAD
2.  Premise of the CAD
3.  Additional goals
4.  Primary and additional goals of the CAD
5.  Changes in the addiction pattern
6.  The CAD’s ten guidelines for sobriety
6.1    Guidelines for the substance dependant
6.2    Guidelines for the co-dependant