Gauteng Teens Facing a Surge in Drug Use, Authorities Warn

The number of teenagers using drugs in Gauteng is climbing at an alarming rate, with the province now topping the country in youth substance abuse. Recent research from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) paints a worrying picture: young people, particularly those aged 15 to 19, are increasingly seeking treatment for alcohol and drug use and many are using multiple substances at once.

For parents, teachers, and communities, the warning bells are hard to ignore.

Gauteng Leads the Nation in Teen Drug Use

Data from SAMRC’s South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU), presented at its 58th symposium, shows Gauteng accounted for 51% of all treatment admissions across the country between January and June this year.

Nancy Hornsby, senior scientist at SAMRC, explains that the rise in first-time, voluntary admissions among teenagers is particularly concerning.

“This age group now makes up 26% of all admissions in the province, up from 19% in the previous reporting period,” she said.

The most commonly reported substances? Dagga tops the list, cited by 42% of patients as their primary drug, followed by methamphetamine (22%) and alcohol (16%).

Polysubstance Use: A Growing Threat

Perhaps more worrying is the rise of polysubstance use, with nearly half of admitted youths reporting use of more than one drug at a time. Hornsby highlights that this pattern complicates treatment and significantly increases health risks.

“Polysubstance use, especially combinations of dagga and methamphetamine, or dagga and alcohol, is becoming increasingly common among teenagers,” she said.

Hookah smoking is also a rising trend. Gauteng leads the country in teen hookah use, often combined with dagga and alcohol, raising concerns among health practitioners about the long-term physical and mental health impacts.

Mental Health Concerns Intensify

Substance abuse among Gauteng teens is not occurring in isolation. Many adolescents entering treatment reported co-occurring mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Experts caution that untreated mental health challenges can worsen substance use, creating a vicious cycle.

Hornsby notes that early intervention is critical.

“Monitoring trends and identifying emerging risks allows policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to develop targeted interventions that protect our youth,” she said.

A Call to Action: Schools, Parents, and Communities

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the report. Some parents express shock and guilt, wondering how they missed warning signs. Teachers and youth workers are calling for increased drug education, while NGOs stress the need for accessible, youth-friendly treatment centres.

South Africans familiar with Gauteng’s urban landscape know that pressures such as unemployment, social inequality, and peer influence are fueling these trends. Experts argue that tackling teen drug use requires holistic approaches: prevention, education, mental health support, and community engagement.

With Gauteng’s youth now the majority of treatment admissions, the SAMRC report serves as a wake-up call. Without coordinated action, experts warn that drug use among teenagers could continue to rise, taking a toll on health, education, and social wellbeing.

As Hornsby concludes:

“We must act now to ensure young people receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they need to avoid the destructive path of substance abuse.”

The data is clear: Gauteng’s teens are at a critical crossroads and the responsibility to protect them lies with parents, schools, health authorities, and the community at large.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com