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Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 (Act No. 70 of 2008)

Chapter 4 : Prevention and Early Intervention Services

10. Establishment and purpose of programmes for early intervention

 

(1) The Minister must, in consultation with the ministers and organs of state referred to in section 8(1) facilitate the establishment of programmes for early intervention.

 

(2) The purpose of programmes for early intervention is to identify and treat potentially harmful substance use prior to the onset of overt symptoms associated with dependency on substances.

 

(3) Programmes for early intervention must give effect to section 2(b).

 

(4) Programmes for early intervention must focus on—
(a) identification of individuals, families and communities at risk;
(b) screening for problematic substance use to facilitate early detection and appropriate interventions;
(c) enabling affected persons to recognise the warning signals of substance abuse and conditions related thereto;
(d) providing families and communities with information to enable them to access resources and professional help;
(e) involving and promoting the participation of children, youth, parents and families, in identifying and seeking solutions to their problems;
(f) promoting appropriate interpersonal relationships within the family of the affected persons;
(g) promoting the well-being of the service user and the realisation of his or her full potential;
(h) sensitising users and their families about the link between substance abuse, crime, HIV and AIDS and other health conditions;
(i) promoting the diversion of children and other users away from the criminal justice system; and
(j) skills development and economic empowerment of users and persons affected by substance abuse.