City extends its teen substance abuse treatment pilot project on International Day Against Drug Abuse
25 June 2025
26 June is International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. As part of its Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy, the City piloted a treatment programme for adolescents in Tafelsig in 2021, which has now been introduced at its substance abuse treatment site in Parkwood, to support adolescents at risk of substance abuse.
A recent report by the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) found that, in the Western Cape, cannabis and tobacco products are most popular among adolescents.
The report also found that there has been an increase in females 18 years and younger who are seeking treatment for substance abuse.
City Health piloted a Brief Intervention Adolescent Programme at its Matrix® Tafelsig treatment site in 2021, assisting on average 120 adolescents annually. In February, the service was introduced at the Parkwood treatment site.
Among the successes are:
• That the majority of the adolescents completing the programme have a one-month follow up drug test which is negative.
• Improved family relationships
• Weekly support group meetings
• Good relationships were developed with stakeholders for referral pathways to other services needed for the adolescents
• Reduction in other problem behaviour at home and school
Some challenges include misperceptions about cannabis being a herb and not a drug, and clients defaulting once they have proof of screening for school.
‘The theme for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year focuses on empathy, respect and leading with compassion, while providing access to services and prioritising prevention. The City’s Community Services and Health Directorate has been working tirelessly to offer programmes that reflect this theme, from our prevention-based programmes for learners and families, to our out-patient substance abuse treatment programme.
'It is based on the Matrix® treatment model and incorporates treatment, counselling for clients and families, recovery support, relapse prevention and social support groups. We also recognise the growing need for treatment resources for younger people. I want to encourage young people and their families to access our programme for adolescents if substance abuse, or the risk of substance abuse is a concern,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
In addition to the substance abuse treatment programme, the City’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy includes various prevention programmes offered by the Community, Arts & Culture Department (CACD) to enhance the protective factors which is essential in reducing the risk of substance abuse.
Protective factors - such as strong family bonds, positive peer relationships, emotional resilience, and community support - help individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to resist pressure, cope with stress, make healthy and informed choices.
Over the past 12 months, the department engaged nearly 5 000 young people through the ‘Essentially Me’ and ‘Driving my Future’ programme, while 255 families completed the Strengthening Families programme.
Essentially Me promotes positive self-development through interactive activities and discussions. It aims to empower participants to develop confidence, critical thinking and life skills to resist peer pressure and make informed choices.
The Driving my Future Programme targets individuals aged 12 to 30, and focuses on substance abuse awareness, preventing risky behaviours and advocating for responsible decision-making. The programme aims to inform participants of the harms of substance use with a focus on alcohol use and raises awareness around foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
CACD also introduced the Sinovuyo Teens programmes which targets caregivers and children aged 10 to 17. The programme teaches caregivers positive parenting strategies, helps teens develop coping and problem-solving skills, and strengthens family communication.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, contact the City of Cape Town’s Matrix Clinics at matrix@capetown.gov.za or call the Alcohol and Drug Helpline at 0800 HELP 4 U (0800 435 748). For more information on the City of Cape Town’s substance abuse programmes, email CTADAC@capetown.gov.za
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
