Psychoactive substances: Position statement on harm reduction

Dan Joseph Stein; Eva Manyedi, for the Executive Committee of the Central Drug Authority

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i9.11223

Debate

Psychoactive substances: Position statement on harm reduction

Dan Joseph Stein, Eva Manyedi, for the Executive Committee of the Central Drug Authority

Abstract

Psychoactive substances are subject to several international and national conventions and laws that have emphasised the importance of the ‘war on drugs’ and supply reduction. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that evidence-based, balanced policies are needed, which address the important differences between alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other psychoactive substances or drugs. The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 speaks to the National Drug Master Plan, which emphasises a range of strategies for addressing the excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other psychoactive substances.

Authors' affiliations

Dan Joseph Stein, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Eva Manyedi, for the Executive Committee of the Central Drug Authority, School of Nursing, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mahikeng, South Africa