Drug Misuse Reaches Crisis Levels CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI HEALTH CORRESPONDENT 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 gory levels. If nothing remedial is done, parents can become the most at risk people in 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 high youth unemployment rate of 35% in 2023 have led many vulnerable individuals to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism. This can be debatable, as children from affluent homes, financially secure are also part of the statistics. I feel sad to talk of people as statistics for failure of finding a meaningful word.
Zimbabwe’s economic challenges have created an environment where many individuals, especially the youth, are turning to substance use as a way to cope with their situation.
The 35% youth unemployment rate in 2023 has left many young people feeling hopeless and turning to substance use.
The lack of opportunities even for holders of degrees has contributed to the rise in substance abuse.
The crisis has led to a significant increase in mental health issues, with around 60% of institutionalised 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........…..Full story on www.masvingomirror.com https://masvingomirror.com/drug-misuse-reaches-crisis-levels/ Follow The Mirror channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDkczW42DcZ1gleaW2j Look out for your copy of The Mirror..... https://anyflip.com/pckiw/hfen/