Drug death leaves Sudanese family in shock

The death of a young Sudanese man in Adelaide has led to calls for more support services for substance abuse.

As family and friends gathered to bury the promising sports star, the effectiveness of outsourced government programs is being called into question.

The tight knit Sudanese community of Duk county is in shock. With no history of drug use or gang associations, Awan Awan's death has brought great sadness.

The 20-year-old had much to live for. He'd recently won a basketball scholarship and hoped to play professionally. But a night apparently involving alcohol and drugs ended his dreams.

Children make up 50 per cent of all refugee arrivals in Australia and many are from war zones and refugee camps. Counsellors say they may turn to drugs as respite, or to fit in - without realising the dangers.