PREVENTING RELAPSES AMONGST CHEMICALLY ADDICTED ADOLESCENTS: EXPLORING THE STATE OF CURRENT SERVICES

Abstract

The susceptibility of adolescents to chemical addiction has become a major international concern. Approximately 25% of people in Central Asia and Eastern Europe who inject chemical substances are under the age of 20 years (Youth at the United Nations, 2006), while up to 75% of unintentional injuries among adolescents in America are related to substance abuse (Page & Page, 2003:196). On the national level approximately 25% of adolescents under the age of 20 are involved in substance abuse (Western Cape Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation, 2006:13). A report from the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Abuse (2007:3) highlights that, of the 2 798 persons who received in-patient treatment in the Western Cape, 27% were under the age of 20, more than any other age group in treatment.