Abstract

PLUDDEMANN, A; DADA, S  and  PARRY, C. Decline in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine use in Cape Town. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2013, vol.103, n.7, pp.478-480. ISSN 2078-5135.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to describe the changing trends in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine in Cape Town, and to discuss possible implications. METHOD: Data were collected on admissions for drug abuse treatment through a regular monitoring system involving drug treatment centres and programmes in Cape Town, every 6 months as part of the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU). A one-page form was completed by treatment centre personnel for each patient to collect demographic and substance abuse data. RESULTS: The results indicate that between 2004 and 2006, a significant increase in the proportion of adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine abuse occurred, while a significant decrease occurred between 2006 and 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The initial increase in adolescent treatment admissions for methamphetamine abuse from 2004 to 2006, and subsequent decrease between 2006 and 2011, may suggest a change in methamphetamine abuse patterns among adolescents in Cape Town.

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