The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) is a cornerstone in the battle against substance abuse in South Africa. Founded in 1956, SANCA emerged in response to community calls for assistance with alcohol and other drug-related issues. This non-governmental organization has grown to include 33 Alcohol and Drug Help Centres across the nation, with services available from 39 Service points/satellite offices in all nine provinces.
SANCA’s Mission focuses on addressing chemical dependency through a range of specialized, accessible, and affordable developmental, prevention, and treatment services. These services aim to enhance the quality of life and restore the self-respect and dignity of individuals affected by alcoholism and drug dependence.
The Vision of SANCA is to be the most effective organization in the field of prevention and treatment of chemical dependence in South Africa. This vision is underpinned by the mission to develop and sustain outcome-based addiction services through active partnerships, facilitate the expansion of these services in Southern Africa, and influence policy formulation towards safer communities.
Key Goals include heightening public awareness about substance abuse, enlightening both public and private sectors on prevention and treatment strategies, and reducing chemical substance dependence, especially among high-risk groups such as children, youth, women, and disadvantaged communities.
Services Offered by SANCA range from aftercare and reintegration services, behavior modification programs, community development initiatives, to in-patient and out-patient treatment programs. SANCA aims to provide comprehensive support through therapeutic assessments, medical assessment, ongoing therapy, and aftercare. Initiatives like the Diversion Programme aim to change the behavior of individuals who have come into conflict with the law, focusing on attitude change and responsibility.
Community and Capacity Building are pivotal in SANCA’s strategy. The organization engages in training and educational programs for community groups, professionals, and schools, addressing the specific needs related to information on alcohol and drugs. Community development efforts also include helping with needs assessment, job creation projects, and skills training.
The SANCA National Directorate coordinates services nationally, handles policy making, maintains standards, oversees training, research, and dissemination of information, and promotes the field via national and international liaison.
SANCA’s approach to substance abuse in South Africa is multifaceted, with an emphasis on both prevention and treatment. By providing a broad spectrum of services and leveraging its vast experience and expertise, SANCA plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities across the country.
