Easing economic pressure key to tackling drug abuse crisis

Reports indicate that there has been an increase in drug and alcohol abuse in the country. The increase in cases is particularly being witnessed amongst the youth and in low-income areas. Statistics from local authorities and rehabilitation centres point to an alarming rise in cases of alcohol poisoning due to consumption of unsafe brews. The abuse of prescription drugs has also escalated, with young people seeking these substances as affordable alternatives to more expensive narcotics.

Meru has been particularly affected and the county government is working to open more rehabilitation centres to take in victims of drug and alcohol abuse. The county government is working to mitigate the extremely high costs of taking drug users to rehabilitation centres by working to provide cheaper alternatives, which is a  welcome move. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has vowed to crack down on drug cartels. Already, as is the tradition with Nacada, raids are being conducted, drugs and illicit brews seized, and suspects arrested. Both these solutions, while commendable and necessary, do not go to the root of the problem.

It is important to understand that this growing crisis is not caused by an increase in drugs on the streets, but rather by worsening income conditions. High unemployment, especially amongst the youth, leads many to despair and to seek alternatives that will soothe them, albeit temporarily. In the past two years, inflation and the high cost of living have led to economic hardship for many, who have turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. By targeting drug dealers and dismantling supply networks, the government offers only a temporary solution.

In fact, a dismantling of these networks may at times yield disastrous consequences as drug dealers respond to the difficult business conditions by utilising alternative substances that may be unsafe. Consequently, drug users resort to these questionable supplies to meet their fix, and these alternatives may prove fatal. Unemployment and lack of income also leads many to illicit brews that result in alcohol poisoning. Often, these brews are made of industrial chemicals that make them more potent, ensuring that those who consume them are addicted, and meet an early death.

What then is the solution to the worsening drug abuse problem? The first step that the government would need to take is to alleviate the economic pressure that so many are feeling. Already, the government is working to provide employment to the youth, albeit by focusing primarily on sending them abroad to work blue collar jobs. The government will need to strengthen its efforts not only to provide these jobs abroad but also to ensure that the conditions of those who remain in the country are improved. A lowering of the cost of living as opposed to an increase in the cost of commodities every year would provide some much needed relief. Financial aid is also worth considering as so many families are suffering, and the added strain of having an addict within the family is a burden that many cannot afford.

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The relevant agencies also need to take cognisance of the fact that when law enforcement focuses solely on punitive measures rather than rehabilitation and harm reduction, drug users are criminalised rather than helped, exacerbating the problem instead of solving it. Harm reduction acknowledges that drug abuse is a complex public health issue rather than just a criminal offense.

An example could be taken from countries such as Portugal where drug use is decriminalised and drug users are provided with sites where they can safely have their drugs tested, even as they are assisted in recovering from drug addiction. By treating drug users with compassion, it is guaranteed that more lives will be saved as shame is done away with. Nacada ought to take the lead in this, changing their tactic from one of condemning suffering drug users to encouraging safe drug use and an open door policy for addicts to receive help.

Ms Gitahi is an international lawyer