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

Vaping is often marketed as modern, harmless, or “safer” than smoking — but for many young people, it has become a dangerous gateway to nicotine addiction. As Anti-Tobacco Awareness Month highlights the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use, more parents are becoming concerned about the rapid rise of vaping among teenagers. At SANCA, we believe education and early awareness are critical in protecting young people from addiction. Why Vaping Appeals to Teens Many vaping products

Every year, Anti-Tobacco Awareness Month reminds us of the serious health risks linked to smoking and tobacco use. But beyond the statistics and warnings, there’s a deeper conversation South Africa needs to have — especially when it comes to prevention and young people. At SANCA, we believe awareness is not just about quitting smoking — it’s about preventing the next generation from becoming dependent in the first place. Tobacco Still Remains One of the Biggest Preventable He

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

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