fact sheet - substance use by South African adolescents
Prepared by:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Group, Medical Research Council

Supported by UNDCP Global Assessment Programme (GAP) on Drug Abuse
Effects of alcohol and other drug use by adolescents
Health Effects

• Increased risk for injury and death due to interpersonal violence, motor vehicle accidents, and drownings.
• Increased probability of engaging in high risk sexual behaviours, placing the user at risk for both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
• Increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour.
• Increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including conduct, mood, and anxiety disorders.

Social consequences

• Adolescent substance use has been associated with academic difficulties, declining grades, absenteeism, truancy, and school drop-out.
• Substance use during adolescence has also been associated with involvement in crime and gang-related activities.
• Adolescent AOD use may lead to deteriorations in psycho-social functioning, characterised by impaired psychological and social development, and poor peer and family relationships.

For current statistics visit our SACENDU site.