Drug abuse in Zimbabwe has become a growing national crisis, threatening the health, social fabric, and future of the country. Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to the misuse of drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful to oneself or others.
This may involve using substances without a medical need, using them in excess, or consuming them in unintended ways.
The most commonly abused substances include prescription medications such as opioids like hydrocodone and benzodiazepines like alprazolam, illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, and other substances like inhalants—for example, glue.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has witnessed an alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly among young people.
According to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, the proportion of young people using drugs rose from 43% in 2017 to 57% in 2019, affecting more than 500,000 youths nationwide.
In urban centers such as Harare and Bulawayo, rehabilitation facilities have reported being “overwhelmed with new cases every day,” highlighting the scale of the crisis. One Harare-based counselor noted that “we are losing a generation to drugs, and unless the response is scientific and coordinated, the problem will only deepen.”
Understanding the Causes
Drug abuse is a complex issue, with multiple factors contributing to its development. Biological factors include genetics, where individuals with a family history of addiction may be more susceptible to developing substance use disorders.
Brain chemistry also plays a role, with imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin contributing to addiction.
Environmental factors also drive abuse. Peer pressure often leads to experimentation and continued use, especially among young people influenced by friends or family members.
Experiences of trauma and chronic stress can increase the likelihood of substance abuse as individuals turn to drugs as coping mechanisms.
Psychological factors also matter—conditions such as depression and anxiety frequently push individuals toward drugs in search of escape, while personality traits like impulsivity and low self-esteem increase vulnerability.
At the societal level, permissive attitudes toward substance use, early exposure, and lack of education make communities more susceptible.
As one addiction specialist, Dr. Sacrifice Chirisa, observed: “Substance abuse changes brain function and behavior. Without medical and psychological intervention, it becomes nearly impossible for users to quit on their own.”
Government Responses
The government has taken steps to address the crisis. Zimbabwe’s Five-Year Strategy, launched by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development in collaboration with Silveira House and the University of Zimbabwe, seeks to combat drug abuse among youths by educating parents and raising awareness about the dangers of substance misuse.
New rehabilitation centers have been built in Victoria Falls, Kwekwe, and Harare. These have already provided psychosocial support to more than 13,600 individuals, successfully reintegrating nearly 900 back into their families.
Law enforcement has also intensified efforts. According to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, 79 illegal drug bases have been dismantled, with 9,527 people arrested—including 616 suppliers and 8,911 end users.
Authorities have also intercepted cannabis smuggled from Zambia and shut down non-compliant premises.
However, challenges remain. Substance abuse is still seen by many as a moral failure rather than a health condition, discouraging users from seeking help.
Corruption and inadequate training of law enforcement officers limit the effectiveness of drug-related laws.
The scarcity of rehabilitation centers in rural areas further reduces access to treatment, leaving many without help.
The Role of Science
Science has a unique role to play in overcoming these challenges. Evidence-based treatments developed through research can identify the most effective interventions, improving outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
Neuroscience, for example, reveals how substances affect the brain’s reward, motivation, and impulse-control systems.
Through neuroimaging and biomarkers, people at high risk of relapse can be identified early, allowing for targeted therapies tailored to individual brain chemistry.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment, grounded in scientific research, offer hope for long-term recovery.
Public health approaches informed by science can also reduce harm. Needle exchange programs, which have been successful elsewhere in reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis, could be adapted in Zimbabwe to lower disease transmission risks among injecting drug users.
Importantly, science reframes addiction not as a moral weakness but as a medical condition that requires treatment.
This perspective helps reduce stigma and encourages more people to seek help. As President Emmerson Mnangagwa acknowledged in 2023, “Drug and substance abuse is a national threat to our development and the well-being of our future generations. We must fight it using evidence, compassion, and science.”
Conclusion
If left unchecked, substance abuse can lead to devastating consequences, including organ damage, mental health crises, broken families, and community violence.
But by embracing scientific solutions—ranging from neuroscience to public health strategies—Zimbabwe can tackle this challenge in a comprehensive and compassionate way.
Science is not simply a tool in the fight against drug abuse; it is the backbone of a sustainable response.
By combining research, innovation, and empathy, Zimbabwe can begin to restore hope to communities and safeguard the future of its young people.