IMBO Magazine Issue 32 | Page 31

Financial implications Drugs are no cheap habit; the amount of Rands lost by South Africans users every year is astounding. According to the Central Drug Authority (CDA), South African drug users spend an estimated R37 million on dagga per year, approximately R610 million on ecstasy and an astonishing R146 million on cocaine .Just the use of these drugs for a month could have a serious effect on your financial situation in the New Year. Impure drugs The experimental user has no idea what they are being offered and illicit drugs on the street are usually impure. Dealers mix without the knowledge of buyers, adding extremely dangerous elements such as tranquilisers, Paracetamol and Veterinary medicine used on animals. This can leave users with dangerous side effects such as brain damage, cardiovascular problems and delirium. One pull and you’re hooked. So maybe the plan was just about having a good time and now you find yourself craving the next hit. It’s possible, people have different body tolerance levels and some people have more addictive personalities than others. Trying to keep up with your acquaintances sometimes means you are left with the addiction when the festive is over. DON’T LET THE ‘ E X P E R I M E N TA L BUZZ’ FOOL YO U, T H E R E A R E MANY REASONS W H Y YO U M I G H T R E G R E T I T. Instant death Amateurs simply have no clue. Drugs are dangerous because they are unpredictable. When a person’s metabolism cannot detoxify the drugs fast enough it can cause one to overdose. Of course, the higher the dose then the more dangerous. What to do The great drug rush is a societal ailment we may have no control over, especially with its new partner in crime, Pop Culture. It makes for a lethal combination. However, no matter the situation or the vibe of the party, in the end we always have a choice. By Lebohang Morake 31 IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14