South Africa Country Profile

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Drug policy

Availability of programmes that diverts clients away from criminal justice towards treatment

Specialised treatment system for both drug and alcohol use disorders
Pharmacotherapy: Methadone, Buprenorphine, Benzodiazepines, Phenergan all used for the treatment of opioid dependence for detoxification
Pharmacotherapy: Methadone, Buprenorphine and Ibogaine used for the treatment of opioid dependence for maintenance
Pharmacotherapy: Benzodiazepines, Nitrous oxide, carbamazepine used for treatment for alcohol withdrawal
Settings involved in the provision of Methadone/Buprenorphine: Public general hospitals, Public mental health hospitals, Public drug treatment centres, Private practice, Primary health care, Community pharmacies, Prisons
Social Workers, Addiction Counsellors and Psychiatrists are the key professionals for the treatment of people with alcohol use disorders and drug use disorders
NGO presence for drug and alcohol treatment and prevention

Government unit responsible for the prevention of alcohol and drug use disorders
Annual budget line for the prevention of substance use disorders and mental health issues
Prevention initiatives are largely state financed
Prevention services available via mass media channels, school-based programmes and community-based programmes
No needle exchange programme