We can turn tide on youth drug abuse
Study reveals that one in every two university students in the country has used alcohol.
The recent report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has cast the spotlight on the escalating issue of drug use among university students in Kenya.
The report identifies friends as primary sources of drugs for the youth. This revelation not only underscores the pervasive nature of substance abuse within academic institutions, but also highlights the complex social dynamics that facilitate this crisis.
According to Nacada’s latest survey on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Universities,2024, friends were the main (66.4 per cent) sources of drugs followed by canteen/bar/premises within the neighbourhood (59.3 per cent) and fellow students within the institution (56 per cent).
The identification of friends as a major source of drugs is particularly troubling. Peer influence during university years is profound, as students seek acceptance and a sense of belonging.
Substance abuse
In environments where drug use is normalised or even glamourised, the pressure to conform can lead individuals to experiment with substances. This peer-driven initiation into drug use not only endangers the individuals involved, but also perpetuates a culture of substance abuse within the student community.
The study further reveals that one in every two university students in the country has used alcohol. Also, one in every 17 (5.8 per cent) had moderately severe depressive disorders and another 3.5 per cent had severe depressive disorders. Results revealed that female students had a higher prevalence of moderately severe (6.4 per cent) and severe (4.1 per cent) depressive disorders compared to their male counterparts (5.2 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively).
Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a comprehensive approach. There is a need for robust prevention and management programmes tailored to university students. These should aim to amplify protective factors, such as resilience and healthy coping mechanisms, while reducing risk factors. Implementing evidence-based interventions can equip students with the knowledge and skills to resist peer pressure.
Strict policies
Institutions must establish and enforce strict policies against drug distribution and use within their campuses. Regular training and sensitisation of both staff and students can help in identifying and addressing drug-related issues promptly. Moreover, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help is essential.
Parents and guardians must maintain open lines of communication with their children and be vigilant for signs of drug use to facilitate early intervention. Parental involvement, even during the university years, can provide the emotional support and guidance necessary to help students navigate the challenges and pressures of academic life.
By implementing comprehensive prevention programmes, enforcing strict anti-drugs policies, fostering parental involvement, and ensuring accountability, it is possible to turn the tide of drug abuse among the youth.
Mr Mwangi is deputy director, corporate communications at Nacada.