Every year on 31 August, International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of the lives lost to overdose, the families and communities affected, and the importance of preventing future deaths. It also carries an important message: overdose can happen to anyone. What Is an Overdose? An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed by a substance or combination of substances. Risk can increase when substances are mixed, when an unexpectedly strong or contaminated substance is used

Women are often expected to be strong — to care for families, manage responsibilities, support others and simply keep going. But behind that strength, there may be struggles that aren't always visible. This Women’s Month, SANCA encourages us to look beyond appearances and recognise that strong women need support too. When Coping Becomes a Concern Stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, financial pressure, caregiving responsibilities and other challenges can take a signific

Every workplace experiences pressure from time to time. Tight deadlines, changing markets, and increasing workloads are part of doing business. But when stress becomes the norm rather than the exception, it may be time to invest in a structured corporate wellness programme. Here are five signs your organisation could benefit from additional employee wellbeing support. 1. Increased Absenteeism If employees are regularly taking sick leave or unplanned time off, it may indicate

Employee wellbeing has become one of the biggest drivers of workplace success. Across South Africa, organisations are recognising that healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and resilient. That's why corporate wellness is no longer just an employee benefit—it's a business strategy. Many workplace challenges don't begin at work. Stress, financial pressure, anxiety, burnout, alcohol misuse, and family responsibilities often follow employees into the office, affecting c

Many people believe they need more motivation to change. The truth is that motivation comes and goes, but habits shape our daily lives. That's why SANCA's #70Challenge focuses on small, achievable actions that build momentum. ⏸️ Pause It.🔄 Swap It.🥋 Kick It. The Power of Small Changes Every day we make hundreds of choices, often without thinking. These repeated behaviours become habits. Some habits help us thrive: Exercising regularly Drinking enough water Getting enough sl

June is Kick Your Habit Month, and SANCA is inviting South Africans to take part in the #70Challenge from 22–28 June 2026. The challenge is simple: ⏸️ Pause It.🔄 Swap It.🥋 Kick It. Whether you're trying to cut back on sugar, reduce screen time, stop vaping, avoid junk food, or overcome procrastination, lasting change starts with small daily actions. 5 Tips to Help You Succeed 1. Start with One Habit Don't try to change everything at once. Choose one habit that is holding yo

April is often seen as a break — a time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy life. But hidden behind the social events and long weekends is a growing concern: binge drinking and its impact on long-term health. The Problem with “Just This Weekend” It often starts small: “It’s just one weekend” “It’s a holiday — it doesn’t count” “Everyone’s doing it” But repeated binge drinking — even occasionally — can quickly become a pattern. And patterns become habits. The Link Between Binge Dri

April is packed with long weekends, holidays, and social gatherings. From Easter celebrations to extended time off, it’s a month where routines shift — and unfortunately, alcohol consumption often increases with it. But there’s a difference between enjoying a drink… and binge drinking. What is Binge Drinking? Binge drinking is typically defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period — often 4–5 drinks or more in one sitting. It’s not just about frequency, bu

Recovery is not just about treatment — it’s about partnership. During Human Rights Month , it’s important to understand that successful rehabilitation is built on two things: rights that protect the individual, and responsibilities that empower them. At South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, both are essential to long-term recovery. Understanding Patient Rights in Rehab Entering a rehabilitation programme can be one of the most vulnerable moments in

March marks Human Rights Month in South Africa — a time to reflect on dignity, equality, and the rights that belong to every person. But for many individuals struggling with substance use, these rights are often overlooked. At South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, we believe one thing is clear: Recovery is not a luxury. It is a human right. The Right to Dignity in Recovery Addiction does not erase a person’s rights. Every individual deserves: Acce

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. A well-balanced life that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and mental well-being can significantly enhance quality of life. However, substance abuse continues to be a major issue that threatens physical and mental health. By promoting awareness of healthy living and the dangers of substance abuse, we can encourage individuals to make informed decisions and prioritize their we

February is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month , a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about stopping substance use—it’s about rebuilding your life, your health, and your future. At SANCA, we see every day how healthy lifestyle choices strengthen recovery, prevent relapse, and improve overall wellbeing. Recovery is not a single decision. It is a series of daily choices that support physical, emotional, and mental health. A healthy lifestyle creates the foundation that

Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month reminds us of a powerful truth: prevention is easier than recovery. Addiction does not begin overnight. It often starts with small choices, influenced by stress, peer pressure, trauma, or emotional pain. But in the same way addiction develops gradually, healthy lifestyles can also be built step by step — and these steps can protect individuals, families, and entire communities. At SANCA, prevention is one of our strongest tools in the fight a

February is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month , and at SANCA, we recognise that recovery is about far more than stopping substance use. True recovery is about learning how to live well again — physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. For individuals in recovery, building a healthy lifestyle is not about perfection or pressure. It is about creating stability , restoring balance, and making daily choices that support long-term healing. Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters i

One of the best things about Dry January is the opportunity it provides to concentrate on oneself and one's commitment to abstain from alcohol. However, you may be wondering what to do next when Dry January is over. Here are few things to consider: Take time to reflect It's important to reflect on your experience during Dry January and the benefits you gained, regardless of whether you intend to resume drinking when the month is through. Taking this time to think about and pl

The start of a new year carries a powerful promise. It invites reflection, fresh intention, and the courage to begin again. For those on a recovery journey, the new year is not about dramatic resolutions or instant change — it is about steady progress, honest commitment, and choosing health one day at a time. Recovery does not begin on a calendar date. It begins with a decision — sometimes quiet, sometimes difficult — to live differently. The new year simply offers a meaningf

Many of us look forward to the new year as a chance to start over and establish better routines. This may involve making a firm decision to become sober or beginning the process of rehabilitation. Setting and sticking to recovery objectives and rehabilitation resolutions isn't always a picnic, but it is always worth it. You can have a fresh perspective on life, stronger connections, and more energy for the things that make you happy once you break free from addiction.Accordin

Millions of individuals, every year, make it a goal to improve their health as part of their New Year's resolution. In what has become known as Dry January or Sober January, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions is minimising alcohol intake. It is usually advisable to approach a challenge with a strategy for success. Dry January is not an exception, and there are easy actions that everyone can do to make the month as successful as possible. EXPECT TRIGGERS AND CRAVIN

Isolation often fuels addiction and mental health struggles, but connection sparks healing. Recovery is possible when you surround yourself with empathy, understanding, and genuine support.Humans are wired for connection, and building a recovery community—through therapy, group sessions, or online support—can change everything. Sharing your story helps release shame and reminds others that they, too, can heal.Compassion is a key ingredient in the recovery process. Be gentle w

Learning to keep your alcohol intake in check is the first step in drinking responsibly. It’s also important to be responsible for your own actions and to ask for help when you need it. HOW CAN I BE A RESPONSIBLE DRINKER? Know your limits Don’t drink too much, and don’t drink too quickly. In practice, this basically looks like having one drink per hour, with water or a soft drink in-between alcoholic drinks. When you feel drunk, stop drinking. Don’t mix your drinks Don’t leav