Addiction’s toll on households

In Zimbabwe, approximately 60 % of patients admitted to psychiatric facilities suffer from conditions related to drug and substance abuse. The spread of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth), has far-reaching psychological and social consequences – not only for users, but also for their families. Affected households report a progressive decline in their physical and mental wellbeing as they live with the consequences of a loved one’s addiction. 

There are no official drug statistics, but experts agree that the crisis is worsening. Despite this fact, little research has been done to examine the impact on mental health in depth. As a result, many families suffer in silence. Some seek spiritual help, while others resort to desperate measures, including violence, to cope with the problem.

Community stigma

One such case is Bernard (not his real name), a 36-year-old who began using meth about a year ago. Since then, his relationships have deteriorated. He has become violent and manipulative. Each time he was caught stealing, his mother paid to protect him, clinging to the hope that he would eventually stop. 

“When he started using drugs, he began stealing small items from the house and from neighbours to finance his addiction,” says Sekai (name changed), Bernard’s mother. “When we tried to keep him out of the house, he became violent and threatened to destroy property and hurt us.”

As a widow with no access to adequate support services, Sekai eventually sought a court order to evict her son. Many other parents have taken similar steps, turning to the courts in desperation. But instead of receiving support for her difficult decision, Sekai became a target of community stigma. Neighbours accused her of causing her son’s addiction, of abusing him – and even of using witchcraft for personal gain. “But I had no choice. He had become a threat to everyone. I feared he might even assault someone. No parent wants that, but I needed peace and safety,” she explains.

Sekai’s story reflects the problems faced by many families in Zimbabwe who are struggling with the widespread availability and abuse of methamphetamine, a drug considered a serious public health threat worldwide. In a country where the healthcare system is already critically overburdened and mental illnesses such as addiction receive little attention, these families are forced to watch helplessly as the condition of their loved ones continues to deteriorate. They too become victims.

Derick Matsengarwodzi is a freelance journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. 
derickm01@gmail.com