NEW: Building strong families to combat drug and substance abuse

Gerald Dzangare

OUR society is grappling with loneliness, which exacerbates the menace of drug and substance abuse.

Loneliness, which is a state of longing for deep, more meaningful social connections, is prevalent among Generation Z (12- to 27-year-olds).

If prolonged and intense, it becomes chronic loneliness.

When someone feels lonely, they are more likely to try to distract themselves with anything.

Social media rarely fosters meaningful connections.

Communicating via text message or apps, not in-person, is making it harder for Generation Z to fully express themselves and share their thoughts and feelings.

Four ways to build strong, deeply connected families that prevent loneliness:

Committed and accessible fathers

The father figure is critical in not only providing the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, but providing guidance, planning, goal setting and focus. An involved father figure sets family values and brings authority needed for protection and stability in the child’s upbringing. For those whose fathers have passed on, the void is a painful reality. Men have to take up the role to provide support to those children whose fathers are late. Missing in the fight against drug and substance abuse is the constant presence of emotionally strong, empathetic fathers. We need more involved, humble and committed fathers who provide guidance, support and a positive example of male behaviour. Generation Z appreciate the presents (gifts) father figures give them, but they are in dire need of their presence (time).

Involvement of mothers

A mother is the first person that children get to know even before they are born.

The mother disciplines, supervises and nurtures children. She is there to comfort, soothe, calm and

encourage them and provide unconditional support. The absence of a mother figure leads to deep insecurity in children, among other ills. The child may feel worthless if they don’t receive the motherly care and affection they need. Children with an absent mother figure tend to have trouble connecting with others. They also have emotional imbalances. Spending time with a child will help them feel valued and supported. High self-esteem and self-worth derived from available and involved mothers is an important shield against the temptation of drug and substance abuse.

Reviving the original African family

Sadly, some people lost their parents during childhood.

However, the best model that provides the ideal social safety for orphans is the African family.

The African traditional family extends beyond the nucleus of parents and their children to include aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and other relatives. Inclusiveness is the major strength of the traditional African family.

In this family set up, a person respectfully refers to their maternal uncle as father and to their children as brothers and sisters.

A father figure and mother figure are thus always available.

African culture is summarised in the Ubuntu philosophy that affirms “I am because we are, and we are because I am.”

Members often sacrifice for the sake of family.

Overall, the entire community is responsible for rearing the child.

As the adage goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

The African traditional family system offers checks and balances, which foster accountability critical for positive behaviour.

Strengthening the Church as an extension of the family

Church members can also serve as father figures and mother figures to a child. Pressure on young people has never been as intense as it is today. The impact of the internet and social media can be malign.

So, the Church becomes a refuge for the lonely. To be in God’s family means to be accepted, loved, cherished, celebrated and fully forgiven.

Jesus, in Luke 14:8, said: “He (The Lord) has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted …”

A strong Church shows compassion to the marginalised and vulnerable through protection, provision, prayer and care.

It talks to Generation Z; it does not talk over them or lecture them.

Gen Z need to belong to a wider family of faith where spiritual brothers and

sisters, uncles and aunts, mothers and fathers, share, support and love.

Strong families look after each other and support one another through tragedy and

triumph.

Future generations will judge us harshly if we lose Gen Z to drug and substance abuse, which has already exacted a heavy toll on communities.

Every generation’s duty and responsibility are to make the next generation better and stronger.

Be the strong family support to every child you know needs support.

Gerald Dzangare writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on