Parents cannot have their children arrested for drug use alone

After the article, Parents can now have addicted kids arrested for treatment, in Vaalweekblad and other papers, SANCA Vaal received many phone calls from desperate parents from all over Gauteng.

The director of SANCA Vaal was wrongly quoted in the mentioned article that parents can have their children arrested for drug use. “People cannot be arrested for drug use alone, but surely for criminal activities committed under the influence alcohol or drugs. Addiction is a disease and people are not arrested because they have a disease,” says Magriet Botha, Director of SANCA Vaal.

In case of substance use disorders, loved ones need to learn as much as possible about addiction and to effectively understand the disease, support systems and available options for their family members involved. “Addiction is a chronic, relapsing, out-of-control & significantly harmful behaviour for which there is no cure other than abstention,” explains Magriet.

In case the person with the substance use disorder refuse assistance and intervention regarding the use of substances, the family members or friends have to seek help for themselves on available interventions.

“If the individual is a danger to himself or herself or to the immediate environment or causes a major public health risk or in any other manner does harm to his or her own welfare or the welfare of his or her family and others; or commits a criminal act to sustain his or her dependence on substances,” the law is makes provision for involuntary admission processes to a rehabilitation centre.”

If the family experience safety risks, or risk of damage to property, or theft, which might be caused by the person with substance use disorder, immediate action can be taken to get help. They need to be informed that a criminal charge against them will be laid if they once again steal, damage your property or becomes violent or threatened your life. Don’t set rules and consequences that you can’t stick to.

Tough love may include to not: bail them out, lend money, pay their bills, let them handle any money, tell lies to save them, be a crutch and protect them against the consequences of their behaviour. Do random drug tests regularly.

The court refers first time youth and adult offenders with a not clear history of substance use disorder for a diversion programme to accredited diversion centres. A diversion programme is preventative and educates people on the harmful effects of drugs or alcohol and on a healthy lifestyle. If the person is then assessed with severe substance use disorder, they will be recommended for treatment.

SANCA centres are voluntary admission centres and it is always best that a person with substance use disorder is motivated and willing to go for treatment. SANCA Vaal Triangle is affiliated with South African National Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence.

Contact SANCA Vaal Triangle  016 933 2055 for more information or SANCA National Directorate sms-line: 076-535 1701.