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Mthandazo Ndlovu
The future belongs to those who sanitise, wear masks when ever leaving home and those who practice social distancing. The future also belongs to the sober and if we are to buy or invest in the future, we need to start creating a drug, alcohol and substance abuse free environment for our youths as they are our future.
My advice to everyone as we come to the end of the year is in Proverbs 23:29-35. It is never too late or too early to get help, the earlier the better. I have watched some people spiral deeper into drug use this year to a state of hopelessness as the pit gets deeper and darker due to delays in seeking help.
I have also witnessed delayed intervention, spiralling other social ills and health complications associated with drug, alcohol and substance abuse. Some have dropped grades at school, quit school, and turned to crime. Worse more l have had to visit youths at mental hospitals because of delayed interventions.
Under-age drinking is being tolerated in our society and capturing the drunk youths on our phone cameras has been the norm and splashing it on social media and also making headlines in our press. Let’s have a change of mindsets and begin to buy into the future and rescue these youths from the effects of drugs and alcohol.
As children mature, it is natural for them to assert their independence, seek new challenges and try taking risks.
Under-age drinking is a risk that attracts many adolescents. Many want to try alcohol, but often do not know its effect on their health and behaviour. Many youths often expose themselves to binge drinking and the reasons they often give are peer pressure, stress and increased desire for independence.
Parents and teachers can play a big role in shaping young people’s attitudes towards drinking. Both can either have a positive or negative influence. They can help by talking to kids about drinking and not drinking with them or sending them to go and buy alcohol.
Parents should drink responsibly and serve as role models and should not be found exhibiting drunken behaviour.
Parents and teachers should observe the following signs for under-age drinking:
-Changes in mood including anger and irritability
-Academic or behavioural problems at school
-Rebelliousness
-Changing groups or friends
-Low energy level
-Finding alcohol among a young person’s things and or smelling of alcohol on the young person’s breath.
-Co-ordination problems
Early screening of young people for alcohol or drug use is very important and will help evade problems down the road, refer them for professional help.
For help and more information call or WhatsApp +263772399734 or email [email protected]. A drug free life is a reality, have a sober festive season, and contact the Rechabites and ICM and help them create a drug free environment.
Mthandazo Ndlovu is a Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Specialist, Addictions Counsellor, Adolescent Counsellor, Professional Counsellor
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