Local clinic warns of the health risks of new ‘Bluetooth Nyaope’.
Often, addicts are drawn to use the substance because of curiosity and pressure from their peers.
The health fraternity has expressed its condemnation and shock about the new ‘Bluetooth Nyaope’ trend that is doing the rounds in Gauteng.
This comes after it emerged earlier this week that nyaope addicts in Soshanguve, Pretoria, are transferring blood from one addict to another to share a high. It is said that the new trend is practised to cut costs. Social media was set ablaze as scores of people took to various platforms to express their shock.
A social worker at the Westview Clinic, Qiniso Majola, said there are many factors contributing to the use of
nyaope. Often, addicts are drawn to use the substance because of curiosity and pressure from their peers.
“I’ve seen in most cases that nyaope addicts are often introduced to the substance by their friends. Addiction to nyaope gradually advances from the use of other substances such as dagga or heroin. The best way to prevent addiction to nyaope or any addictive substance is to avoid the use of it entirely. Don’t try it even once”.
In May last year, the clinic initiated a programme to help rehabilitate addicts in the community. Although it has not yet received reports of the practice of ‘Bluetooth Nyaope’ within the community, it aims to create awareness to ensure that this is prevented.
“We need a radical approach to nyaope treatment as it is rapidly destroying the lives of a number of South Africans. At Westview Clinic, we try our best to assess the situation and find ways to better assist our patients. HIV and Aids is a huge problem in South Africa. It is therefore quite problematic that this new trend also increases the risks of such infections and diseases.”
A local doctor who has asked to remain anonymous says mixing blood types can have a local reaction but doubtfully a systematic one. The prevalence of Hepatitis B and C is however higher among addicts who use needles.
The Citizen has reported that the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) has confirmed awareness of the issue and are looking into it. Officials have also raised concerns over the impact the new trend will have in increasing risks of contracting HIV and Aids.
Nyaope is a fine powder that consists of a mixture of heroin, anti-retrovirals and rat poison. Traditionally, it is injected or snorted by addicts.
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