Policy and Prevention Addressing Gendered Drug Abuse in South African Higher Education.

This paper examines substance use among students in South African higher education institutions, highlighting its public health significance and gendered dimensions. It critically analyzes prevalence data, gendered patterns of use, and the implementation of national and institutional policy frameworks. The study argues that effective prevention requires integrating evidence-based research, gender-responsive policy, and cultural interventions to address both structural and behavioral determinants of substance use