E/CN.7/594 page 5
16. TOCO 8
Cannabis used to be taken by the lowest strata of society, but now it seems that its abuse is spreading amongst the population under 15 years of age. A study carried out among 19 bands of adolescents (each band comprising 15 to 20 members) showed that the chief of each band was at the same time the supplier of cannabis. There is also abuse of amphetamines, barbiturates and other similar drugs (Mandrax, immenoctal). Psychotropic substances are introduced illicitly from neighbouring countries. Amphetamines are abused by students but also by other categories of persons. Multiple drug abuse has recently appeared, it consists mainly in the abuse of cannabis with amphetamines or alcohol, and amphetamines with alcohol. These combinations are popular among musicians. Datura (a substance with hallucinogenic effects) is used traditionally, often mixed with palm alcohol.
17. UPPER VOLTA Although there is some abuse of amphetamines and cannabis, drug abuse does not present a public health problem.
18. ZAIRE There is some abuse of cannabis mainly among persons under 35 years of
age.
19.
AFARS AND ISSAS The authorities are concerned with the consumption of khat leaves. It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the native population chew khat. There is also some abuse of cannabis, which is confirmed by the seizures of cannabis.
B. Main characteristics of drug abuse in Africa
20. Widespread abuse of cannabis, an upward trend in the abuse of psychotropic substances, both amphetamines and barbiturates (especially me thaqualone) and a tendency towards multiple rug abuse are the main trends inferred from the information available regarding eighteen countries and one territory. There is also some abuse of opiates (mainly pethidine). Cocaine abuse is reported by one country
only and extensive abuse of khat occurs in the Afars and Issas where over 80 per cent of the native population chew khat. Drug abuse problems are psycho-social in character (psychosis, unreliable behaviour, etc.). However, criminal behaviour, unemployment, loss of productivity and traffic accidents have also been associated with drug abuse.
21.
Abuse of cannabis is prevalent in all countries. Five countries (Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius and Sierra Leone) indicate that cannabis is the main drug of abuse. In ten other countries, it seems that its abuse is spreading particularly among the younger populations. Abuse of cannabis seems to be low in three other countries. A common pattern of abuse in a certain number of countries is the association of cannabis with alcohol.
22.
Abuse of barbiturates or amphetamine-type drugs is reported by over thirteen countries. Three countries indicate abuse of both barbiturates and amphetamines often taken by young people. A common pattern is the abuse of methaqualone/Mandrax.
23. Multiple drug abuse seems to be spreading. Nine countries have indicated this pattern of abuse, the most common combinations encountered being the association of cannabis or barbiturates with alcohol.