In 2015, the World Health Organisation found that an estimated 15% of South Africans suffer from drug abuse. This steadily rising statistic makes South Africa one of the world’s drug-abuse capitals. And while South Africans are using the same kinds of drugs as the rest of the globe, a handful of substances are proving more popular.
MARIJUANA
Marijuana is by far the most used drug on South African streets, amounting to just over 60% of all substance abuse treatment cases. It’s currently still deemed illegal in South Africa, but in recent years some health experts have tried to legalise marijuana for medicinal use.- Common street names: Dagga, Zol, Skyf, Joint, Weed, Grass, Pot, Boom, Ganja, Hash, Dope.
- Appearance: The dried marijuana leaves are sold in bags ranging in size. Some dealers also sell “ready-made” marijuana which is already rolled for smoking.
- Common effects: Effects vary from person to person, but in most cases it relaxes the user and leads to light-headedness. Depending on the strength, some users also experience mild hallucinations.
- Long-term results: Weakened immune system, an increase in abnormally structured cells in the body, personality and mood changes, difficulty to concentrate and possible lesions to the brain and lungs.
MANDRAX
South Africa is listed as the largest abuser of Mandrax (globally known as Quaalude) in the world. According to studies by the Medical Research Council, a mixture of Mandrax and marijuana is still the drug of choice in South Africa.- Common street names: White Pipe, Buttons, MX, Gholfsticks, Doodies, Lizards, Press Outs, Flowers.
- Appearance: It is sold in pill form and often has a unique emblem. It also varies in colour.
- Common effects: It’s most commonly mixed with other marijuana to amplify the effects of smoking marijuana.
- Long-term results: Anaemia, poor liver function, chronic headaches, poor vision, depression and insomnia.
NYAOPE
This drug has been making its way through local streets since 2000. While it has been reported that the drug contains anti retroviral drugs, both the South African Police and analysts have denied any traces of the drugs. It’s unknown what exactly Nyaope contains, but the most common substances include heroin, cannabis and meth. There have also been cases of the drug containing rat poison, milk powder, bicarbonate of soda and even pool cleaner.
- Common street names: Whoonga, Wunga
- Appearance: Nyaope is bought in powder form and is then mixed with marijuana and smoked.
- Common effects: The effects don’t last long, with users reporting a sense of euphoria and complete relaxation.
- Long-term results: Insomnia, scarred or collapsed veins, liver and kidney disease, lung complications and mental and psychotic breaks.
CODEINE
Regarded as the most used drug in the world, codeine can be found in most cough mixtures, sinus medication and painkillers. South Africa is one of very few countries still selling codeine-based products over the counter without a prescription.- Common street names: Syrup, Purple Drank, Cody.
- Appearance: Cough syrup, anti-allergy, sinus tablets and certain painkillers all contain codeine.
- Common effects: Since codeine blocks the brain’s pain receptors, the user experiences euphoria.
- Long–term results: Long-term use can result in blurry vision, nausea, insomnia, plus muscle and joint pain.
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