As the world prepares to observe the United Nations-sanctioned International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, the City of Cape Town is making strides in tackling substance abuse at the municipal level with a multifaceted approach. This approach focuses on prevention, education, and enforcement to help individuals and families while addressing the broader societal impacts of addiction.
Prevention, Education, and Treatment Programs
The City of Cape Town’s Alcohol and Drug Action Committee (CTADAC) oversees various programs targeting different aspects of substance abuse. The Strengthening Families Programme is one such initiative designed to enhance family relationships to prevent substance abuse. In addition, prevention programs such as Essentially-Me and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Simulator Programme reached 2,867 students, increasing youth awareness.
The City also offers after-school programs at 67 sites catering to nearly 150,000 learners in a safe and supportive environment. The Matrix® program screened 2,506 individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse, helping to ensure a clean drug test rate of 83% among clients.
Importance of Shared Responsibility
Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, recognizes the enormity of the substance abuse problem. She emphasizes the need for a shared responsibility and believes that prevention starts at home with open discussions, information sharing, and leading by example.
Crucial Role of Enforcement
Enforcement also plays a crucial role in addressing substance abuse. Over 10 months, Traffic Service, Law Enforcement Metro Police arrested 3,132 individuals for drunk driving. The Law Enforcement Liquor Unit shut down 2,449 illegal liquor establishments, issued 1,537 liquor by-law fines, and apprehended 147 suspects for illegal liquor dealings.
These enforcement efforts led to almost 12,000 arrests for drug and alcohol-related offenses in less than a year. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, attributed the expansion of services and the introduction of the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) to significant gains in enforcement actions. However, he acknowledges that tackling deeply embedded social and economic challenges requires a collective effort as enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
Multifaceted Approach to Address Substance Abuse
The City of Cape Town’s multifaceted approach to substance abuse demonstrates the importance of prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement in addressing this complex issue. By working together, the city and its residents can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction and create a safer, healthier community for all.
