*Drug Misuse Reaches Crisis Levels* https://chat.whatsapp.com/GxMWbKB2N2kLutCFesLnPR By Catherine Murombedzi, Masvingo Mirror – In this two-part series, we zero in on drug and substance misuse in Zimbabwe. Part 2: We talk to survivors, their families, and the community.Drug and substance misuse, a silent scourge, is on the rise in Zimbabwe. The levels have reached crisis proportions. If nothing remedial is done, parents could become the most at-risk people in their own homes. Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe drug abuse epidemic, affecting approximately 1 in 30 households. This translates to over 533,334 individuals nationwide. The country’s economic struggles and a high youth unemployment rate of 35% in 2023 have led many vulnerable individuals to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism. However, this issue is not limited to the economically disadvantaged—children from affluent homes are also part of the statistics. The crisis has led to a significant increase in mental health issues, with around 60% of institutionalized patients struggling with drug-related challenges. As many as 45% of cases of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe are linked to drug and substance abuse. The stagnant economy has perpetuated a vicious cycle of poverty, affecting generations, with the elderly now struggling in a hyperinflationary era where pensions have been eroded. This cycle poses harm, destroying lives, and threatening the nation’s future. To combat drug misuse, the government has launched initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030). However, more needs to be done to support those affected and prevent further spread. Tragic cases related to drug abuse continue to emerge. Last week, two gruesome deaths shocked the nation—both mothers were murdered by their sons. In Mufakose, a mother was stabbed 28 times before being shoved under a bed. The assailant also attacked a nephew, piercing his neck with a screwdriver. Neighbors rescued the boy, and the suspect was arrested. A day later, in Sandton Park, Zvimba District, a 33-year-old man killed his 53-year-old mother using a machete and a hoe. Relatives said the son, who holds a Master’s degree, accused his mother of bewitching him and preventing him from finding a job. Today, parents of children struggling with drug addiction are living in fear. Experts are calling for urgent action. Wilson Box, Executive Director of Civil Liberties, a local nonprofit organization, emphasized the need for policy reforms. “An increase in cases of violence from the drug-using community is a result of policy failure. Our drug laws focus more on criminalization than treatment. Instead of arresting drug users, we should take them to treatment or drop-in centers. Criminalization worsens the situation as prisons expose users to hardened criminals. There is a need for drug policy reform,” said Box. He urged the government to establish more comprehensive public drop-in facilities, similar to Chipadze in Bindura, staffed with trained medical personnel. “The current situation does not reflect a country dealing with a drug crisis. There is reluctance in mobilizing funding to help affected individuals. No wonder cases of deadly violence are increasing among drug users. Support, don’t punish,” he added. According to recent research: Over 53% of women and 28% of men in Zimbabwe inject drugs. 42.57% of crystal meth users take the substance daily, while 36.64% use it at least two or three times a week. 57.89% of pharmaceutical drug users take substances two or three times a week, while 21.05% use them daily. On the gender scale, 70.7% of males and 55.5% of females aged 15-19 engage in heavy episodic drinking, making Zimbabwe the country with the highest rate in Africa. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to address Zimbabwe’s drug crisis. The government’s Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan aims to tackle the issue, but experts argue that more needs to be done to support affected individuals and prevent further spread. Masvingo Mirror