By ADARLIA HARAH-MAINGA –
Illicit drug and alcohol abuse has become a major source of concern in the nation as it poses significant challenges.
The harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs can have serious social and economic consequences on individuals, families and society.
The high statistics outlining the extent of the vice are worrying and suggest that drug abuse is seriously on the rise.
This calls for consented efforts from citizens, including the Church, to join the fight against substance abuse in order to attain a drug free and safe environment.
According to the 2021 World Drug Report issued by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), pandemic effects ramped up drug risks as youth underestimated the dangers of exposure to cannabis.
Around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in 2021, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders, according to the World Drug Report.
The report further noted that in the last 24 years, cannabis potency had increased by as much as four times in parts of the world, even as the percentage of adolescents who perceived the drug as harmful fell by as much as 40 per cent.
This is despite evidence suggesting that cannabis use is associated with a variety of health and other harms, especially among regular long term users.
The lower perception of drug use risks has been linked to higher rates of drug use, and the findings of UNODC’s 2021 World Drug Report highlights the need to close the gap between perception and reality, to educate young people and safeguard public health.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the evidence base and raising public awareness so that the international community, governments, civil society, families and youth can make informed decisions.
This can also help in efforts to prevent abuse, treat drug use and dependency, as well as tackle world drug challenges.
According to the latest global estimates, about 5.5 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64 years have used drugs at least once in the past year, while 36.3 million people, or 13 per cent of the total number of persons who use drugs, suffer from drug use disorders.
Globally, over 11 million people are estimated to inject drugs, half of whom are living with Hepatitis C.
COVID-19 has triggered innovation and adaptation in drug prevention and treatment services through more flexible models of service delivery.
Many countries have introduced or expanded telemedicine services due to the pandemic, which for drug users means healthcare workers can now offer counselling or initial assessments over the telephone and use electronic systems to prescribe controlled substances.
While the impact of COVID-19 on drug challenges is not yet fully known, the analysis suggests that the pandemic has brought increasing economic hardship that is likely to make illicit drug cultivation more appealing to fragile rural communities.
The social impact of the pandemic, notably driving a rise in inequality, poverty, and mental health conditions particularly among already vulnerable populations, represents factors that could push more people into drug use.
Delivering his maiden speech on the application of national values and principles to Parliament early this year, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasised the need to restore morals in children if they are to contribute the country’s development agenda meaningfully.
President Hichilema called on the parents not to neglect the responsibility of molding their children into morally upright citizens.
He further called on the Church, civil society and traditional leadership, to take interest and participate in the fight against the scourge.
Additionally, to curb drug and alcohol abuse, the Government has continued to implement the National Alcohol Policy, which provides for a coordinated response to address the scourge.
Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) Director General Mary Chirwa noted that the problem of drug and substance abuse is rampant in the country and as such, many people are affected by the vice.
She called on the Government to urgently consider the construction of a national rehabilitation centre whose cost is estimated at US$4.2 million to assist drug dependent persons from across the country.
The Church does not want to be left out in these efforts.
Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) president David Masupa said there is need for the Church to complement Government efforts by ensuring that it inculcates morals and principles to families and communities.
“As a country, we are losing our moral fiber where we are seeing parents showing bad examples to their children by abusing alcohol.
Both parents in some families leave their children without care and support,” Bishop Masupa said.
The clergyman said President Hichilema alluded to the fact that there is a high rate of alcoholism as well as drug abuse among youths in the country.
“As a Church, we want to say that the position, which the President indicated, of the high alcoholism rate, is a bad example that is being displayed by some of us parents, as well as by some of us adults and as community leaders and leaders in various governance positions.
Today, if you visit these night clubs and bars, they are packed to capacity with parents,” he said.
Bishop Masupa said the Church should be very mindful of what the social problems that the society is going through are as it is the reasonability of the Church to preach against alcoholism.
Lusaka Ministers Fellowship Chairperson Christopher Kabunda said the Church will continue to live by Christian principles and values which are the basis for the national values and principles embedded in the Constitution.
“I implore the Church to lead by example by applying these values and principles in our daily lives, values of morality, ethics and national unity,” Bishop Kaunda said.
Michael Mulusa, a drug abuse survivor and now author, said there is a need for parents to give their children more support emotionally, mentally and spiritually rather than only giving their children financial support.
Mr Mulusa, who has written a book entitled “Lungs of Steel”, urged youths not to engage in drugs and alcohol as it leads people to lose family ties, careers and destiny.
Mr Mulusa commended his family and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for supporting him on his book launch.
The book talks about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The fight against alcohol and substance abuse is not for the Government alone.
There is need for need for families and the Church to compliment the Government’s efforts to fight the battle of alcoholism and drug abuse. – ZANIS.