“Welcome” is a word you are going to hear quite often as someone experiencing something new. To all of the first-year students, let this article be your 100th welcome! Welcome to the University of Pretoria, welcome to adulthood, and most importantly, welcome to a time where you will be tested like never before – academically and non-academically. The fun times are going to be a blast and you are going to experience the best moments of your life! The Strip is going to feel like a trip to Ibiza, Burnett Street is going to be calling your name every weekend, and the house parties are going to have you contemplating moving in with your friends full-time.
An interesting dilemma to deal with in social settings is your first encounter with substances – whether it is alcohol, weed, or any other drug. Some people may have had this experience before leaving high school, but the biggest difference between having this experience before and after independence is access. What happens when curiosity gets the better of us and we try substances?
Allow me to be your big sister for a minute. Yes, we are going to discuss the dangers of substance abuse, and before you think this is like the lecture your parents gave you before you left home, let me assure you, it is definitely not.
It is very easy to get caught up in all of the new things you are expected to adjust to and get lost in the fog of academics, new friends, new environments, and new experiences. Becoming overwhelmed is completely understandable, and sometimes, all you need is an escape – just for a moment, or a day, or even a week. The problem is that a week could easily turn into a month, a month could turn into a quarter, and before you know it, a full semester of indulging has just dragged you further down the rabbit hole of overwhelming factors. The key to avoiding this is self-control. It sounds simple, but it is harder than it seems. Picking yourself up is hard. If there is one thing you should know, it is that you are never too far gone to pick yourself up.
We already know that alcohol is an easily accessible beverage in South Africa. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the average age of dependency on a substance in South Africa is 12 years old, with 50% of teens drinking alcohol. We all know that not everyone drinks alcohol, but a statistic like this is still very alarming because it points to how big of a problem alcohol and drug dependency can be. When we are able to factor in a problem like this, our perspective widens to beyond personal experiences. Alcohol and substance use can lead to possible overindulgence if it is not monitored and regulated. With this in mind, it is possible to approach substance use with a clearer understanding.
When it comes to academics, alcohol and substance abuse may hinder your ability to cope with your coursework. There have been various studies that suggest that the abuse of substances can have a negative effect on your academic performance. From hangovers to being unable to function at 100%, there are many ways that your academics could be negatively affected, especially considering how much time is taken away while recovering from one too many drinks.
Understanding the difference between moderation and abuse is a key factor in curbing this potential issue. Pacing yourself goes a long way. Addiction is a hard trait to come to terms with, but it does not have to be. You can contact the SADAG Substance Abuse Whatsapp Chat Line at 087 163 2025 if you are in distress. Just breathe and know that everything will be okay.
Visual: Esther Ndebele
