The South African community epidemiology network on drug use (SACENDU): findings, implications and future directions

ENGLISH :
Multisource data were collected in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth (PE), and Gauteng Province (Johannesburg and Pretoria) from July to December 1999 (Phase 7 of the SACENDU Project). As in Phases 1-6, alcohol was the most frequently reported substance of abuse within all sites. Trauma unit indicators highlighted the heavy burden associated with the alcohol abuse in Durban and PE. However, the treatment demand for alcohol problems declined in Cape Town and Gauteng. Cannabis, and methaqualone (Mandrax), alone or in combination, continued to be the most frequently reported illicit drugs used, generally accounting for the largest proportions of arrests for dealing drugs and for diagnoses among psychiatric inpatients (together with alcohol). Treatment demand for cannabis increased in three sites. Cocaine/crack indicators generally trended upward or remained stable in all four sites. Crack seizures increased in three sites. In three sites, 9 percent of persons arrested on housebreaking and murder charges tested positive for cocaine. Heroin indicators remained fairly stable or decreased when compared with the first half of 1999; however, there are concerns about the increased quality of heroin. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy" or MDMA) use continues to be reported among young persons in the club scene, alone or in combination with other amphetamines, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and methamphetamine ("speed"). Other substances have entered the market, including gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and khat (a plant with stimulant effects grown mostly in East Africa). Expansion of the SACENDU Project to other SADC countries during 2000 and to other sites in South Africa is likely to strengthen epidemiologic surveillance in the subregion. (Author' s abstract)