HARARE WITH calls for the elimination of drug and substance abuse growing louder, government, institutions and individuals are collaborating to find a lasting solution to the scourge.
A local community-based organisation has embarked on a grassroots campaign in Mabvuku, Harare, to build a drug-free community.
Targeting youths between the ages of 16 and 40, the door-to-door survey in saw several youths coming forward to speak on the scourge.
“Normally, I use drugs to find happiness. When I take drugs, I’ll be in my own world. When you are intoxicated, the way you see life is quite different from when you are sober,” a drug user said.
“My 25-year-old son is a drug addict, and this has ruined our lives in ways we cannot describe. I cannot even control him. I tried to secure a start-up kit for a mechanics business but he refused,” a parent narrated.
“We are always scared in this neighbourhood because you don’t know what the next move of those drug addicts would be. House break-ins and daylight robbery are now the order of the day. Some of the victims are living with grandparents and they are in the habit of selling property to get hold of a dollar to buy drugs,” a community member expressed concern.
The effects of drugs and substance abuse, however, extend beyond the individual user, impacting families and communities at large.
“We are very excited about this programme, it will go a long way in cleaning our neighbourhood. We the young people, are the future of this nation. If this problem is not addressed, who is going to build and develop the nation? So this is a welcome initiative, the drug addicts need help,” a young community member noted.
The ongoing door-to-door campaign is aimed at identifying victims and root causes of drug abuse to come up with effective rehabilitation strategies.
“Drug use among young people in Mabvuku is indeed a cause for concern. We have started a door-to-door survey where we want to find out the challenges that youths in our community are facing in relation to drug use. From the information gathered, we will then come up with effective strategies to tackle the scourge. We aim to rehabilitate and empower all victims with life skills so that they avoid relapsing and actively participate in economic development in line with the government’s vision of an empowered society,” Director of Pedzisai Sakupwanya Skills Development Trust, Pastor Tendai Meda said.
Drug addiction has become a global health crisis, hence the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to tackle the scourge.
