Alcohol, drug, and substance abuse is a growing concern in Zimbabwe, particularly among young people. While there was some information on the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse, there is a lack of understanding around the factors that influence behavior, as well as the influencers and facilitators of the behavior.
A research paper conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the government, Muthengo Development Solutions (MDS), Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), and Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ) has revealed that approximately 60% of school dropouts in Zimbabwe are a result of drug and substance abuse.
The research identified common drugs abused by students, including cannabis, cough syrup, crystal meth, illegal alcohol, pharmaceuticals, crack, cocaine powder, and heroin. The study further highlighted that drug abuse contributes to a cycle of poverty and crime as it leads to students leaving school prematurely. Read the full article here:
