Minors As Young As 12 Years Old Engaging In Narcotic Drug Use

By Daniel Kachere

A recent study has revealed that adolescents as young as 12-years-old are increasingly involved in drug use, painting a troubling picture of Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle with substance abuse.

The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) disclosed these alarming findings during a press conference last Friday.

This revelation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with the devastating social and economic consequences of widespread drug and substance abuse.

According to Wilson Box, Director of ZCLDN, the research involved 200 participants from Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s two largest metropolitan cities.

Of the participants, 68% were male, while 32% were female.

Box expressed particular concern about the early onset of drug use in high-risk areas such as Mbare and Makokoba.

Local surveys indicate that 45% of youths in these areas have encountered drugs within their immediate social circles.

He also noted that nearly 40% of the surveyed individuals identifying as female was a cause for alarm.

“This highlights that women are also using drugs but often hesitate to come forward due to fear of stigma.

“Since drug use was declared a national disaster in 2023, the trend of narcotic use appears to be increasing despite the declaration,” he said.

The study, which interviewed 200 individuals in Mbare, Acadia, Makokoba, and Nguboyenja, found that drug use is prevalent among individuals aged 18 to 30 in Mbare and Makokoba.

In contrast, in Acadia and Nguboyenja, drug use begins as early as 12 years old and extends to individuals over 45.

“Over 80% of respondents reported using a combination of drugs, including prescription medications and heroin. Many indicated that they started using narcotics during adolescence, between the ages of 14 and 15,” Box explained.

The study attributed these trends to several factors, including peer pressure, economic hardships, and family issues, which were frequently cited as major contributors to drug use.

ZCLDN’s previous research, conducted across five provinces, along with engagement with support groups and data on substance-induced murder cases, underscores the severity of the crisis.

Since 2011, ZCLDN has been a leading advocate for evidence-based drug policies and harm reduction strategies.

Box highlighted that the affordability and local production of drugs in areas like Mbare have exacerbated the problem.

“The study indicated that some drugs are being manufactured in Mbare, making them more accessible and affordable, thereby encouraging even younger individuals to experiment with drugs,” he said.

The study also revealed that 70% of participants had not completed secondary education, a factor strongly correlated with higher rates of substance use.

Additionally, many respondents lived in substandard housing conditions, lacking basic safety and hygiene, which often act as triggers for drug use.

The analysis further showed that respondents typically engage in poly-drug use, consuming substances such as crystal meth (mutoriro), cocaine, illicit brews, alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and opioids.

To effectively tackle this crisis, ZCLDN urges the government to expedite the creation of 63 identified drop-in centres, equipped with adequate resources and trained personnel, to provide support for individuals struggling with addiction.

Box urged government to introduce comprehensive harm reduction programmes, such as needle exchange initiatives, opioid substitution therapy, STI treatment, and counseling services, which are essential to provide holistic care.

He said the role of the inter-ministerial committee on drugs should be clearly defined and reinforced to ensure evidence-based outcomes while fforts must be made to tackle underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment, particularly among youth and women, to reduce the vulnerability to drug use.

Lastly, he rallied families and communities to work together in order to reduce stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs, encouraging them to seek help without fear. Nhau/Indaba