Online Reporter
Praexidis Dekwende
BENEATH the surface of campus life across Zimbabwe’s universities and polytechnics, a generation of young people is quietly being consumed by the abuse of drugs and other substances.
Students are found drowning in alcohol abuse, cannabis use, prescription drug misuse, and new synthetic substances, while overwhelmed institutions, underfunded counselling services, and a culture of silence stand in the way of help.
Some students are now calling for help.
Kathrine, a final-year student, said she is not unique in this situation.
“There are hundreds of students in the same position as I am.
“Someone needs to start talking about this.
“Not in a way that makes us sound broken, but in a way that makes it clear we need and deserve help,” she said.
Another student, Gerald Makonese, said alcohol and substance abuse among college and university students in Zimbabwe is becoming an increasingly visible problem.
“While often dismissed as part of student life, the reality is far more serious.
“Behind the social scenes of campus life lies a growing public health concern that threatens the well-being and future of young people.
“Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance among college students.
“I feel students need to be provided with resources such as counselling.
“Many of them are involved and lack the social and psychosocial support needed to help them fight the addiction.”
Kelvin, a Development Studies student, said substances such as marijuana, Broncleer, and Crystal Meth (Mutoriro) are becoming more common among students.
“These substances are not only addictive but also linked to mental health problems, academic decline, and risky behaviour.
“Several factors contribute to substance and alcohol abuse among us students.
“Economic challenges, academic pressure, and uncertainty about the future push us towards substance use as a coping mechanism.
“At the same time, peer pressure and campus culture often normalise drinking and drug use.”
Adeline Mambo says the consequences are serious.
“Substance abuse affects academic performance, increases health risks, and can lead to long-term dependency.
“Despite this, responses remain limited, with many prevention programmes lacking impact.
“Universities must strengthen support systems, including counselling and awareness programmes.
“Families and communities must also encourage open conversations about substance use.”
Drug abuse doesn’t start at universities and colleges. It starts at high school. A lot of O and A Level students are into drugs well before they enrol for tertiary education. Just like what we are facing in football, a sizeable number of students are into drugs right from high school. Sadly this is something authorities always want to conceal. Girls too are becoming more and more involved. We don’t need counselling for these low lives. We need serious punishment. We cannot spend more resources on people that are already wasting them. It’s unfair for those whose are struggling to get such resources for better use.