DUT STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CRIME PREVENTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE AS THEY START THEIR CAMPUS LIFE

By Morapedi Sibeko

• First-year students at the Durban University of Technology began their student life by learning about the dangers of substance misuse.
• The Department of Social Development explained that there was a range of inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes available for young people battling alcohol or drug misuse – through the campus’ wellness centre or the department’s service centre.
• Both inpatient and outpatient methods have proven effective in treating substance use disorders, each offering unique advantages tailored to the individual’s needs, according to social worker Rishi Hiraman.

At the ADAPT@DUT first-years’ orientation at the Durban University of Technology, incoming students were not only welcomed to campus life but also educated on issues like substance misuse and crime prevention.

Representatives from the Department of Social Development spoke to the students as part of a programme highlighting the rising issue of substance misuse in higher education.

A presentation on the range of treatment options offered at rehabilitation facilities was delivered by social worker Rishi Hiraman, who is based at the Newlands Park Care Centre in Durban.

Based on his more than two decades of experience, Hiraman said that polydrug abuse has emerged as a major concern in the treatment landscape. Polydrug use refers to using more than one drug or type of drug at the same time, or one after another.

The most common substances used by adolescents include cough mixtures, Xanax, dagga, and alcohol, he noted.

Females are more inclined to misuse prescription medications like painkillers or codeine-based drugs alongside alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, while adult males tend to gravitate towards alcohol, dagga, and heroin.

Hiraman, however, pointed out that recent trends show a disturbing rise in methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine is more commonly known as crystal meth.

This wide range of substances not only illustrates how different demographic groups use drugs but also highlights the urgent need for specialised intervention techniques to successfully tackle the specific difficulties arising from substance misuse.

For students grappling with substance misuse, help is readily accessible either at the campus wellness center or by reaching out to the Department of Social Development service office, where trained professionals can make appropriate referrals for further treatment

“Both inpatient and outpatient methods have proven effective in treating substance use disorders, each offering unique advantages tailored to the individual’s needs,” Hiraman said.

Outpatient programmes, such as those offered by organisations like SANCA (the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency) allow clients to continue with their daily routines like attending school or work while receiving essential treatment.

These programmes emphasise joint consultations between social workers and service users, empowering individuals to make decisions about their recovery, preserving a sense of self-determination and normalcy.

In contrast, inpatient programmes provide a more immersive and structured environment, typically lasting around eight weeks, where clients receive comprehensive care.

This approach is especially beneficial for those with more severe conditions or for individuals influenced by family pressure or critical screening results.

Inpatient treatment includes group sessions focusing on life skills and therapeutic education, medical care to address both mental and physical comorbidities, one-on-one social casework, occupational therapy to enhance daily functioning, and round-the-clock support through dedicated care services.

“Ultimately, the choice between inpatient and outpatient care depends on the severity of the substance use disorder, the individual’s motivation, and the need to balance treatment with daily life responsibilities,” Hiraman said. Both methods are effective when matched to a client’s unique circumstances.

The road to recovery is often not an easy one, as service users frequently experience numerous challenges along the way.

One of the most significant hurdles is the lack of family support. “Substance misuse can strain relationships and break trust, leaving individuals isolated when they most need emotional and practical backing,” Hiraman said.

Families, overwhelmed by disappointment, fear, or denial, may distance themselves, stripping the recovering individual of a critical support system.

This absence of family involvement can impede recovery by reducing opportunities for encouragement, accountability, and assistance with reintegration into everyday life. Moreover, the emotional toll of feeling abandoned can contribute to diminished self-worth and heighten the risk of relapse.

To combat this, robust aftercare services, including referrals to self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, are implemented to ensure sustained recovery

Recognising these challenges, many rehabilitation programmes focus not only on treating the substance use disorder but also on engaging with families through education, counselling, and guidance.

Supporting individuals impacted by substance misuse requires increasing awareness of the problem and offering access to a variety of treatment alternatives.

Whether through more extensive inpatient programmes or outpatient treatments that enable patients to carry on with their daily lives, the Department of Social Development’s dedication to prevention, intervention, and aftercare guarantees that people have access to the assistance they require