AWARENESS PROJECT: RECOGNISING DRUG USE IN TEENAGERS
- isabels39
- Jun 10
- 7 min read
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Drug use among teenagers in South Africa has become an increasingly serious concern.
Alarming trends point to early experimentation and escalating addiction rates.
According to the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU), school-aged children as young as 12 are experimenting with substances such as cannabis, crystal meth (tik), nyaope, and prescription medications.
The ripple effects of teenage drug use are far-reaching and devastating, leading to increased incidents of violent behaviour, academic decline, mental health disorders, and exposure to criminal activities such as theft, gang involvement, and drug trafficking. In many cases, substance abuse also heightens the risk of sexual exploitation and domestic conflict.
As the first line of defence, parents play a critical role in recognising the early warning signs of drug use and seeking timely intervention to prevent long-term harm.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis is frequently consulted by the media for his expert insights into drug use and its impact on South African society. His extensive experience in investigating drug-related crimes, assisting affected families, and exposing criminal networks has made him a respected authority in this field.
His commentary often highlights the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and early intervention,
especially among vulnerable groups such as teenagers.
Through his organisation, Specialised Security Services (SSS), Mr. Bolhuis continues to educate the public
and support victims in the fight against substance abuse:
(This interview is in Afrikaans.)
KEY EARLY WARNING SIGNS:
These signs often appear gradually and can vary depending on the substance being used.
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES:
Sudden drop in academic performance or loss of interest in school.
Skipping classes, truancy, or disciplinary problems at school.
Secretive behaviour, including lying, sneaking out, or hiding belongings.
Change in friend groups, especially associating with older or unfamiliar individuals.
Loss of motivation, apathy, or a "couldn’t-care-less" attitude.
Defensiveness or hostility when questioned about activities or whereabouts.
Lying.
EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNS:
Mood swings, irritability, aggression, or unexplained anxiety.
Withdrawal from family activities and a loss of interest in hobbies.
Depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts in more advanced cases.
Sudden lack of concern for appearance, hygiene, or responsibilities.
PHYSICAL SIGNS:
Bloodshot eyes and dilated or constricted pupils.
Unusual body odour, excessive use of perfumes or breath mints.
Frequent nosebleeds (possible sign of snorting drugs).
Track marks on arms or legs (in cases involving injection).
Extreme tiredness, weight loss, or excessive appetite (depending on the drug).
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUES:
Finding drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers, pipes, burnt spoons, straws, or empty medicine bottles.
Unusual smells on clothes or in the bedroom.
Missing money or valuables from home.
Strange text messages, slang or emojis relating to drugs on their phone or social media.
Trust your instincts.
If your child’s behaviour or physical condition changes dramatically
and you cannot find a clear explanation, it is worth seeking professional advice.
Early intervention is key and will make a critical difference in recovery and rehabilitation.
RISK FACTORS FOR DRUG USE:
Certain factors increase the likelihood of a teenager experimenting with drugs:
Peer pressure from friends who use drugs.
Easy access to drugs at school or within their social circles.
A family history of substance abuse can increase the likelihood of drug use in teens.
Opportunity – long periods of unsupervised time.
COMMONLY USED DRUGS:
Understanding the substances your teenager might encounter will help you spot the signs:
CANNABIS (DAGGA):
Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in South Africa.
Signs include:
A strong smell of burnt weed on their clothes or breath.
Red eyes and increased appetite.
A relaxed or giggly demeanour or slurred speech.
"Green fever" or "Greening out," a slang term for a cannabis overdose, is a state of feeling unwell or experiencing negative effects after consuming too much cannabis, especially when the THC content is high. It is not fatal, but it can be extremely uncomfortable.
The term comes from the combination of the green colour of the cannabis plant and the feeling of nausea or "feeling green".
Symptoms of greening out can include:
Nausea and vomiting.
Sweating.
Dizziness.
Anxiety and panic.
Paleness.
Shaking or muscle tremors.
ALCOHOL:
Alcohol is legal and widely accessible, often serving as a gateway to other substances.
Look for:
Slurred speech, unsteady walking, or staggering.
Mood swings, depression, or aggressive behaviour.
Risky behaviours such as unprotected sex or reckless driving.
NYAOPE:
A dangerous and highly addictive drug combination that includes heroin, cannabis, and antiretrovirals.
Common signs include:
Extreme weight loss.
Severe infections or abscesses from injecting.
Erratic behaviour, aggression, or paranoia.
TIK (METHAMPHETAMINE):
Tik is a potent stimulant and highly addictive.
Typical signs are:
Increased energy or hyperactivity.
Restlessness, paranoia, or rapid speech.
Hallucinations or erratic, unpredictable behaviour.
CONSEQUENT CRIMES AND LEGALITIES:
Drug use among teenagers often leads to a wide range of serious crimes and legal issues, many of which have life-altering consequences.
Some of the most common crimes and criminal behaviour linked to teenage substance abuse:
POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES:
It is a criminal offence in South Africa for any person to possess drugs like cannabis, methamphetamine (tik), heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, or prescription medications without a valid prescription.
Depending on the quantity, teenagers can face arrest, a criminal record, or even detention in juvenile facilities.
DRUG DEALING AND DISTRIBUTION:
Some teens become drug mules or dealers to support their own addiction or to earn income.
This is a far more serious offence than possession and can result in lengthy imprisonment, even for juveniles.
THEFT AND BURGLARY:
Addiction can lead to stealing money or valuables from home, school, or the community to fund drug use.
Theft, housebreaking, and burglary charges may apply, resulting in arrest, detention, or a permanent criminal record.
ASSAULT AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR:
Certain drugs (especially tik and alcohol) increase aggression and lower impulse control.
This might quickly escalate to school fights, assault charges, domestic violence, or violent confrontations with law enforcement.
VANDALISM:
Drug-impaired judgement can lead to acts of vandalism or property damage, often seen during parties or confrontations.
Examples are damaging school property, graffiti, or smashing windows.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI):
Teenagers who experiment with substances may drive under the influence without understanding the dangers.
The risks are serious car accidents, fatalities, including manslaughter, or arrest for DUI, even if unlicensed.
SEXUAL OFFENCES OR EXPLOITATION:
Drug use lowers inhibitions and can result in risky sexual behaviour, including:
Statutory rape (if the teen engages in sex with someone under the age of consent),
Transactional sex to fund drug use,
Sexual assault (either committed or suffered while under the influence).
GANG INVOLVEMENT:
Many teenagers who use drugs become involved in gangs that control local drug distribution.
Crimes Associated: Intimidation, extortion, armed robbery, and murder.
Teen drug abuse is a serious health concern and a direct gateway to criminal activity.
Once involved in the criminal justice system, teenagers face limited future opportunities, broken families,
and cycles of poverty and addiction.
Recognising drug use early on is essential in reducing the long-term impact on your child's health, education, safety, and future prospects. If there are signs that your child may be using drugs, it is vital to take immediate action. Early intervention can prevent further harm, stop involvement in criminal activity, and provide access to the resources and support needed for recovery.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services (SSS) have a proven track record of assisting both teenage addicts and their families. The organisation has helped numerous individuals break the cycle of addiction through tailored interventions, investigations, and ongoing support.
Parents of children affected by substance abuse can contact Mr. Bolhuis for professional guidance, confidential support,
and help in navigating this complex and often dangerous situation.
Remaining actively involved in your teenager’s life and maintaining open, honest communication
will significantly lower the risk of drug use and related criminal behaviour.
RECENT AND RELEVANT PROJECTS:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
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4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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