Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
THE Government efforts to decentralise drug and substance abuse treatment have received a major boost following the establishment of a free rehabilitation centre in Chipinge, bringing much-needed recovery services closer to communities battling a growing drug abuse crisis.
The facility, established by Shine in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is offering rehabilitation, counselling, mental health support and life-skills training to people struggling with addiction in Chipinge and neighbouring Chimanimani.
The development comes at a time when communities are grappling with rising cases of methamphetamine abuse among children, adolescents and young adults, a trend that has been linked to school dropouts, crime, family breakdowns and gender-based violence.
Previously, many patients seeking rehabilitation services were forced to travel to Mutare, Harare and other distant centres, a costly undertaking that put treatment beyond the reach of many families.
Shine programmes officer, Mr Nation Murahwa, said the decision to establish the centre was informed by growing concern from communities over the escalating drug menace.
“The decision to establish a rehabilitation and support centre in Chipinge was largely driven by the escalating crisis of methamphetamine use among children and young people, coupled with the lack of accessible, community-based mental health and recovery services in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“We were receiving reports from communities, schools and other stakeholders showing a sharp increase in substance use among adolescents and young adults.
“In some cases, this was contributing to school dropouts, crime and family breakdowns,” he said.
Mr Murahwa said community consultations consistently identified drug and substance abuse as one of the most pressing challenges affecting young people.
“Parents, schools, churches and ward councillors repeatedly called for urgent intervention. They identified substance abuse as a major driver of school dropouts, gender-based violence, early pregnancies and unemployment,” he said.
The rehabilitation centre provides a comprehensive package of services that goes beyond addressing addiction alone.
Patients receive clinical care, counselling, psychosocial support, trauma management, group therapy and life-skills training, with rehabilitation programmes typically running for at least three months, depending on individual needs.
Mr Murahwa said the programme also addresses underlying mental health and social factors that often contribute to substance abuse.
“Our focus is not only on the substance use disorder itself.
“We also address mental health challenges, social determinants and the broader circumstances that can make a person vulnerable to addiction,” he said.
The facility is also easing the burden on families by eliminating the need to travel long distances in search of specialised treatment.
“Having the centre locally has made life easier for patients because it reduces transport costs and other expenses associated with travelling long distances for rehabilitation,” said Mr Murahwa.
Recognising the important role played by families in recovery, the programme includes counselling sessions for relatives and caregivers to help create supportive home environments for recovering patients.
“Families provide emotional stability through love and support, which is important in reducing the risk of relapse. We provide family counselling so that relatives understand how to engage with recovering patients and create a safe environment when they return home,” he said.
The organisation also conducts home visits to assess living conditions and develop aftercare plans aimed at supporting long-term recovery.
The centre has already recorded encouraging results.
Mr Murahwa cited the case of a former inmate who was referred to the facility by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court after serving time at Chipinge Prison for offences committed while under the influence of drugs.
“Over the three months that he was with us, there was a significant transformation in his life. He is now drug-free and has established his own business, which is employing other people.
“His work keeps him occupied and gives him a sense of purpose,” said Mr Murahwa.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged that stigma remains a major obstacle, with many people still viewing rehabilitation as a place for criminals or social outcasts.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that people who go to rehabilitation centres are failures in life. That is not true. Rehabilitation is a second-chance initiative.
“Addiction is a health condition. People need treatment, support and dignity. Anyone struggling with addiction can benefit from professional help,” he said.
Mr Murahwa said the organisation will continue working with Government health institutions, schools and communities to strengthen prevention programmes and early intervention strategies.
“We want to expand awareness campaigns and community sensitisation initiatives while creating more youth-friendly spaces where young people can access information and support before they become deeply involved in drugs and substance abuse.
“The Chipinge centre is expected to complement ongoing Government efforts in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
