Mach 8, 2006
Substance Abuse Talk in Chatsworth, Durban

A team of DFL had a privilege of going to Chatsworth (Durban) where Doctors for Life International was invited for drug talk. A local Pastor and his wife felt a passion for the young people in this area who are using drugs. DFL's power point presentation included shocking "before and after" images of people that abused drugs.

A DFL representative speaks aboout substance abuse

Adverts of alcohol and cigarette companies always scetch a happy, wealthy and celebrity type enviroment around their drugs (products) They have to do this because the complete truth won't sell! That's why you will never see an image of someone who has vomited all over himeslf, car accident scene due to alcohol, a fighting, depressed or unhappy alcoholic (to name a few) going through devorce which so often happens. Children are the biggest target as they are most likely to associate drugs with the type of lyfestyle created by advertising, they remain their biggest target. Children do not have the ability to rationalise the associaton sold by advertisers versus the truth and dangers of substance abuse.

The group of young people listening to the presentations

Regardless of the written law, regarding the legal age alcohol and cigarettes may be bought, reality and reasearch done by SACENDU states that the ages of drug abuses are declining rapidly.

At the beginning of DFL's session with the group of young people they showed little interest, however gradually one could see that they wanted to hear more. Many young people wereespecially touched by the testimony of Nico van Zyl, an ex-drug addict. Young people always think that this won’t happen to me and that’s why many of them find themselves addicted to it. There is no way of getting out of it once you’ve started only through God's mercy. DFL offers a 24 hour helpline to people who need help, as well as family members or frineds who are affected. The number is +27(0) 82 407 3929

The best solution to drugs is to stay away from. Don't even try it!.

Nico Van Zyl gives his testimony of his past drug addiction

'Doctors for Life International' represents more than 1400 medical doctors and specialists, three-quarters of who practice in South Africa. Since 1991 DFL has been actively promoting health care that is safe and efficient for all South Africans. DFL was founded as a South African organization in 1991 and has spread across the globe. DFL is involved in several community projects including orphan care, the care of terminal AIDS patients, malaria prevention and the care of abused women.

Statistics
South African 2002

24 Hr Counselling
Personal Assistance - +27 (0) 82 4073929
Make a difference
Test yourself: Are you a drug addict?

Documents/ Information
Drug Book: Facts, Arguments and Practical advice - by Dr. A van Eeden
Marijuana and Cigarette smoke comparison - MS Word Doc
Why marijuana/dagga should not be decriminalised: Response to publication of SAMJ.
ACAD - African Cities Aginst Drugs

Press Releases
DFL Press Releases on Substance Abuse to Date

More Information
Links to Other Substance Abuse Sites
ACAD

Other Resources:
March 27, 2005
Ecstasy Linked to Long-Term Brain Damage

March 27, 2005
Marijuana's Effects Linger in the Brain

Literature/Media/ PPT Presentation

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DFL brocure (page 1) (page 2) (Download Acrobat pdf) (flash)
DFL's substance abuse advert shown on SA National TV
A Poem written by drug addict who was sentenced to jail...