Drug and substance abuse causes and consequences: A case of a state university community in Zimbabwe (2021-2022)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64754/awvsjg39Keywords:
Drug abuse, Substance abuse, Pandemic, additionAbstract
Drug and substance abuse remains a global public health and human security concern, with Zimbabwe experiencing its effects across different segments of society. Despite government policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the problem, effective responses require comprehensive, evidence-based and multi-stakeholder interventions. This study examines the drivers, consequences and responses to drug and substance abuse among students and employees at a public university in Zimbabwe. Adopting a qualitative research approach, data were collected through focus group discussions, individual interviews with selected informants and documentary analysis. The findings identify peer pressure, stress, poverty, family circumstances, cultural practices, substance dependence and easy access to illicit drugs as factors contributing to substance abuse. The study further establishes that substance abuse generates interconnected socio-economic, psychological and physiological consequences affecting students, employees, families, the university and surrounding communities. It also examines existing interventions and challenges encountered by government agencies, law enforcement authorities, civil society organisations, university administrators and families in addressing the problem. The findings suggest that substance abuse constitutes a significant challenge within the university community, undermining individual well-being, institutional functioning and broader human security. The article argues that isolated interventions are insufficient to address the complex and interconnected drivers of substance abuse. It concludes by advocating coordinated, context-sensitive and evidence-based strategies involving government, universities, families, civil society and law enforcement agencies to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and community resilience while safeguarding the human security of students, employees and surrounding communities
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