As South Africa continues to grapple with rising socio-economic challenges, a concerning public health issue looms large – the alarming increase in over the counter (OTC) medication abuse and opioid misuse. The statistics paint a grim picture, but the factors behind these trends reveal even more troubling insights. Motshabi Nomvethe, Head of Technical Marketing for Life Solutions at Professional Provident Society, sheds light on the issue: “Our society is at a crossroads where socio-economic hardship and psychological stress are driving many toward self-medication. Understanding and addressing the roots of this problem is essential to creating lasting change.” Motshabi Nomvethe.