Drugs Linked to 90% of Mental Health Illnesses in Zim
At Ingutsheni Central Hospital, something alarming has come to light: a staggering 90% of patients grapple with mental conditions triggered by drug and substance abuse.
⅗ of Mental Health Issues Linked to Drug Abuse
Yes, you read that right—90% of them are battling the consequences of substance abuse. It's a problem that can't be ignored. Ingutsheni Hospital representative Davison Samanyanga said the majority of the patients are victims of alcohol, drug, and substance abuse.
He said: “If you look at our admitting ward, you will see that there are almost 100 to 150 persons who are staying there and 90% of those are drug-related cases, hence this shows the magnitude of the problem of drug and substance abuse.”
Treating addiction isn't a walk in the park. It's more like a marathon, with a team of professionals running alongside – psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and doctors.
Drugs Linked to 90% of Mental Health Illnesses in Zim
He added: “The treatment of those affected, of those addicted to drugs and substances is not an easy journey. In the treatment of drug and substance abuse, there are so many players who take part. We have psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and doctors. As I have mentioned, it is not an easy journey.”
Rehabilitation isn't about punishment; it's about second chances. After consultations with these experts, patients deserve an opportunity to turn things around.
For rehabilitation, we are saying people deserve a chance. After being seen by all those professionals, they really need a chance.
He added: “They need to be equipped and imparted with the correct skills so that when they come back to the community, they know how to live, and how to conquer those challenges which they might have faced, which might have led them to drugs.”
For the youth out there, don’t throw away your life for the sake of a few hours of fun.
In Zimbabwe, alcohol, cannabis (mbanje/marijuana/skunk), crystal meth (mutoriro), heroin, and glue are commonly abused. But we can change that narrative. Let's stand against substance abuse, supporting one another on the journey toward healthier lives.
