By Margaret Kamba 

Our world is grappling with so many vices with the drug and substance abuse being just but one of them. While some interventions are being made, it goes without saying that the affected must find some kind of solace.

Besides the victim himself, the carer, who half the time is the parent and must deal with the menace associated with this vice, should be in the right frame of mind in order to provide the right care effectively. 

For them to possess this mind, they must have a strong support system which includes the family members and the community.

Kuwadzana is one community dealing with drug and substance abuse and has a horrid story to tell. While dealing with the existing problem, it's community members must find ways to dissuade other would-bes or else generations suffer immensely.

I know questions are streaming as to what exactly drug and substance abuse? How victims get exposed? How they continually fund the addiction? Whether or not there are rehabilitation centres and what ends up happening.

It is a long story which deserves another day as this bit is simply about the carer who is the parent.

Commenting on the issue Clinical skills Educator Maipe Dube said "Absolutely, caring for someone struggling with drug and substance abuse can be emotionally and mentally taxing. The carer or parent needs to prioritize their own well-being to be able to provide effective care. This means seeking support, whether through therapy, support groups, or self-care practices, to maintain their own mental and emotional health. By taking care of themselves, they can better support and care for the person struggling with addiction."

Director Commissariat Department Dr Davison Gomo noted that there is need for any community to be connected so that the drug and substance abuse is effectively dealt with.

"Drugs do not choose who to affect as they cut across the whole spectrum of society. What is important is knowing their impact on communities. Such community engagements are therefore crucial to form a connected society that thrives well."

Loice Dube a Child Care worker said while identification can be done, response is more often than not too late.

"We have cases in which we identify victims and drug bases but intervention comes to late. If relevant stakeholders could be well resourced, this would help stop the problem."

Christopher Gwaze whose 39 year old son is a victim highlighted that there does not seem to be an end in sight for his dealing with the problem.

"I have tried and almost given up on my son. The level of damage that he has caused on my property is beyond measure. No amount of rebuke or Police intervention has yielded any results."

Plaxedes Chimbetete who has also faced this problem said there is need to stop the stigma and discrimination of the children born to the victims.

"My daughter was only Form one when she got exposed to this vice. Attemps to make her go back to school proved fruitless even after spending money on rehabilitation. Right now her two children are being stigmatized and discriminated. I wish that the punishment on drug Lords could be deterrent and that rehabilitation centres could be more affordable."

Esna Mapisa said, "While our children say they cannot go to jobs that pay them 200 dollars, they need to consider that it is money that they cannot just pick."

Cloud Nyangani said, "You have shown us a kind gesture by coming so that we can learn and discuss that which is affecting our community. Government needs to capacitate all stakeholders who are important in this fight so that the problem is solved."

Svodai Pasi said, "We have Government farms where our idle children can go and work. Community centers like these ones can be capacitated to provide skills to our children so that they can be employers and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country."

School children who were part of the engagement shared concerns about how they are bullied and beaten by drug victims and forced into taking the substances. 

Other community members said there is need for home industries to be created within the area to do away with drug and substance abuse.