Substance abuse among children is a growing concern in Zimbabwe, with far reaching consequences for their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Expert Kuziwa Bhiri joined Onita Sibanda (OS) on the Weekly Guest at The Besana Mail to discuss this critical issue. Combating substance abuse requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, families, communities, and institutions. Bhiri says, education, awareness, and collective action are crucial in protecting Zimbabwe’s future generations.
OS: Welcome Kuziwa, may you kindly introduce yourself.
KB: My name is Bhiri Kuziwa, a teacher by profession. I am a lecturer in the counselling department at Zimbabwe Open University – Matabeleland North Regional Campus. To top it all, l am also a registered counsellor.
OS: Kuziwa, thank you for sharing your expertise. Can you share your experience in counselling and teaching, focusing on drug and substance abuse management?
KB: As a teacher and counsellor, drug abuse. Unfortunately, most people behave as if it is alien issues to us. I have seen lots of youngsters perishing due to drugs. Some very intelligent brains have been wasted due to drugs. It needs us as families to change air attitudes and accept that it is real and it is in our midst.
OS: What drugs and substances are most commonly abused by children in Zimbabwe, and what drives this behaviour?
KB: It’s so heart-breaking to see talent going into the drains. Most commonly abused substances are marijuana, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, spirits, traditional brews, codeine, cigarettes, snuff, glue, petrol sniffing and herbal mixtures. Of late we also have concoctions that students are preparing using Mazowe orange crush, Jade soap and many others.
OS: Thank you, Kuziwa, for outlining the scope of substance abuse. That’s quite a comprehensive list. These substances can have unpredictable and harmful effects on physical and mental health.
KB: Yes Onita! Remember that, at the end it affects our brains and the way we perceive issues
OS: It’s sad! What drives this behaviour?
KB: There are a number of factors that encourage youths to abuse substance. The list is endless but we can have some of the reasons such as peer pressure, stress and anxiety, lack of awareness, family history of substance abuse, economic hardships, trauma and adversity, accessibility and availability of substances, media and cultural influences, lack of education and awareness and social and environmental factors.
OS: Thank you, Kuziwa, for outlining these critical factors. It’s clear that substance abuse is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach. How does substance abuse impact a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development?
KB: Yes! We need to collaborate as citizens. It affects the cognitive development of the child through, impaired memory and learning, reduced attention span and concentration, lower IQ and academic achievement, difficulty with decision making and increased risk of learning disabilities.
OS: These effects are devastating.
KB: The emotional component is also affected through, emotional regulation difficulties, increased anxiety, depression and stress, mood swings and irritability, decreased self – esteem and confidence, difficulty forming healthy relationships. Socially the child is affected through; impaired social skills and relationships, difficulty with empathy and communication, increased aggression, social isolation and withdrawal, decreased ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.
OS: At what age do children typically start experimenting with substances, and what early warning signs should parents look out for?
KB: Thank you Onita. Most children begin abuse substances at a very tender age. The majority begin at around 8 years through experimentation.
OS: 8 years old is indeed very young
KB: Some of the early warning signs are physical signs such as blood shot eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, weight loss of gain, tremors or shaking, unusual odours or stains on clothing and needle marks on the body. Behavioural signs include; change in mood or attitude, increased secrecy, withdrawal from family and friends poor academic work, dishonesty and theft and so many other signs.
OS: These signs are crucial indicators; I hope parents are following this conversation. Mungabona mesho kushapala ndizo zwakalezu.
KB: We also have psychological signs such as depression, anxiety mood swings, irritability. loss of motivation, suicidal thoughts, increased risky taking behaviours confusion and memory loss. So as parents let’s be observant of our children at all times.
OS: Absolutely, parents let’s engage with our children daily. How can schools effectively integrate substance abuse prevention into their curriculum?
KB: Schools need to play a crucial role in drug and substance abuse issues by curriculum integration is incorporating substance abuse prevention in existing learning areas, developing some stand alone course focusing on substance abuse prevention in booklets such as was done on HIV/AIDS. There is need for effective teaching methods, having key topics on substance abuse. We must have age specific content, teacher training and and support, family and community involvement. Our children spend most of their time at schools so information starts from there.
OS: True! Can you share your experiences working with the Hwange community to raise awareness about substance abuse?
KB: It’s quite exciting with very cooperative members in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Let’s remain united together we can win the war. We need more people to come on board so that every corner is covered. We need more trained manpower from all sectors, churches, schools’, community and work places.
OS: Well said! Unity is key in combating substance abuse. Let’s continue to educate and raise awareness.
KB: Currently as Zimbabwe Open University we have been training people on drug and substance abuse management. The course is for five days 9-4 every day and it costs $100 Us dollars. We certify you. We have one such short course to be held from 21 to 25 October 2024 at the regional campus.
OS: Thank you for sharing this valuable opportunity. This is great resource. What reforms would you advocate for to address substance abuse among children in Zimbabwe?
KB: I think as a nation we have taken the right direction of considering drug and substance abuse as a national disaster resulting in the multi sectorial approach being put in place where everybody is involved. We need more funding on the grassroots activities, so that more work maybe done. More activities in awareness need to be done. Each district needs a functional rehabilitation centre. Every school and workplace must have a full time counsellor. The idea of using an already over burdened teacher to offer counselling services to learners does not work.
OS: Absolutely! Declaring drug and substance abuse a national disaster was a bold move. I completely agree, grassroots funding is crucial for effective substance abuse prevention and treatment. It’s sad. How can The Besana Mail collaborate with the community to address this issue?
KB: The media plays a crucial role in the fight against drug abuse. The Besana Mail as a media house needs to get involved in community engagement, partnership with other community organisations that are fighting drug and substance abuse, awareness campaigns in the communities, supporting local initiatives as well as coverage of activities , advocacy for policy changes, education and training of more journalists on drug and substance abuse issues, evaluation and monitoring of programmed already being done in the communities
OS: Excellent roadmap for The Besana Mail. How can our audience access resources or support for substance abuse concerns?
KB: Our audience can assess resources or support through, Zimbabwe National Substance abuse helpline. +263774123456. Online resources, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, local support groups, counselling and treatment.
OS: Thank you, you have provided a comprehensive list for support and guidance. You last words?
KB: Thank you Onita for the time. Drug abuse is real it needs all of us to be on board. Did you know that graves are now being vandalised for the purposes of getting human bones to be mixed with some substances for purposes of becoming high? Education is vital to stop this madness. Let’s spread the word on the evils of substance abuse. Those already addicted seeking help is the first step towards recovery.
OS: I’ve actually seen a video of this happening and it’s heart-breaking to think that people are disrespecting the deceased and their families in this way. The fact that they’re grinding bones into powder and snorting it is not only disrespectful but also raises serious health concerns. Thank you Kuziwa, for your insightful contributions!
