Story by Lisa Masuku
MENTAL health experts in Bulawayo have red-flagged drug and substance abuse among youths in the wake of revelations that at least ten drug addicts are being admitted to rehabilitation centres daily in the city.
Drug and substance abuse has seriously affected thousands of young people across the country and each day, the menace is attracting more victims and the spike in cases affecting Bulawayo alone is frightening, according to youth organisations and mental health experts.
Active Youth Zimbabwe (AYZ), one of the organisations handling youths suffering from drug and substance, abuse reveals that a minimum of 10 new cases are admitted into their facility daily.
“Drug and substance abuse has become so rampant in the country and young people are the most affected. Daily, we receive inquiries from people all over the country and even those in the diaspora, admitting at least 10 new cases daily,” said Active Youth Zimbabwe (AYZ) founder, Mr Romio Mashazi.
Experts have cited several factors, including family dynamics that have
aided to the problem.
“As parents, we do need money, hence we are always working, but we should try by all means to ensure we instil family values that will help ensure our children shun drugs,” said therapist, Mr Cornelius Edwards.
At the national level, the government has instituted various strategies to contain the scourge including stringent border controls to eradicate illicit inflows of dangerous drugs, enforcement of laws to punish drug lords, as well as enhanced awareness.
Arrests of drug peddlers have been ongoing in the country as the Zimbabwe Republic Police carries out a blitz against drug abuse and peddling.
