DRUG AND alcohol abuse in business and industry is costing the country an estimated
R10 billion per annum, according to Dr Rodger Meyer of addCare a newly-formed clinic holding company specialising in treating addictive disorders.
This was happening with the growth of economic pressures, he said.
Substance abuse had a wide range of economic consequences for individual companies and the economy, and knew no class barriers, he said.
People from all walks life and at all levels of businesses were affected, he said.
A number of high-profile industry heads have already been treated.
In addition, medical aids were spending an incalculable amount each year on treatment and related problems.
Meyer said that addCare, in which Malesela, a black-owned hospital group had a major stake, was the first company to set up a national chain of rehabilitation centres.
He estimates the value of the drug trade in South Africa at R1 billion.
This excludes alcohol which, he claims, is still the most abused substance, accounting for up to 75% of admissions to rehabilitation centres in the country.
The new hospital chain would also cater for other addictions such as food and gambling which were growing because of the burgeoning gaming industry.
This is the first time it has been attempted to do this kind of treatment in such a structured, commercialised manner but we identified a chronic need in business and industry, a need which will grow because of the ready availability of drugs, he said.
Meyer said addCare was also working towards securing a health insurance or medical aid subsidy for chemical dependency.
The chain recently opened its first treatment centre in Kwa Zulu Natal and there are plans to open another six nationally.
By Anna Cox
