The SACENDU initiative has several specific objectives: a. To identify changes in the nature and extent of AOD abuse and emerging problems. b. To identify changes in alcohol and other drug related negative consequences. c. To inform policy, planning and advocacy efforts at local and other levels. d. To support networks of local role players in the substance abuse area. e. To stimulate research in new or under researched areas that is likely to provide useful data to inform policy/planning decisions. f. To facilitate South Africa's full participation in international for a focusing on the epidemiological surveillance of drug abuse. While there has been a significant decrease in the number of patients admitted to specialist treatment centres, from 10197 to 9679 patients, KZN, EC and NR saw a slight increase in admissions during this period while other provinces have seen slight decreases in admissions, especially the WC and GT provinces.
Human Sciences Research Council (Sat,) studied this question.