‘WE ARE LOSING FUTURE LEADERS TO DRUG ABUSE’
YOUTHS must shun drug abuse as it is detrimental to their health and robs the country of its future leaders, a religious leader has said.
Apostle Desmond Parirewa, of Fresh Fire Ministries, made the remarks during an interview with H-Metro.
Crystal meth, broncleer and mbanje are some of the drugs being abused.
“It is a saddening to see people, as young as 12 yearsold, taking drugs,” said Parirewa.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that we save the young generation’s ship from sinking due to drug abuse.
“There is need to have a robust programme that involves stakeholders, if we are to win the war against drug abuse.”
Felix Mbundi, a Chinhoyi resident, told H-Metro the key was to take the youths off the streets.
“The key is in researching what interests the youths today and then introduce to them whatever the research would have concluded,” he said.
A clinical psychologist, Jonathan Nyasha Ndlovu, in an online drug abuse session on the ZOE Mental Health Group, highlighted the effects of drug abuse.
Ndlovu said other effects include theft of assets which are sold to get money for drugs, lack of judgment, sexual activities that lead to STIs and HIV and poor decision-making.
“It’s important to receive help from specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and help from social workers, in one place.
“Educating school pupils at a young age is recommended.
“Remember social media is also advertising drug use in many ways, for example, if your favourite movies and music have particular substances being used, it stays at the back of your mind as learned behaviour.
“This can be activated the moment you are in access of the substance.”