By Brandon Chiutsi
1.0 Introduction
Levels of drug abuse are skyrocketing in Sakubva. Sakubva happens to be the community which has become the hub of drug and substance abuse. Drugs are becoming a thorn and bitter medicine that most of the youth in my community are being affected. In Sakubva drugs are spreading like fire and many young people in my community are taking them specifically crystal meth ‘’Guka’’. Crystal meth is among the most deadly drugs in the whole country.
2.0 BACKGROUND
Sakubva is the first black location of Mutare and it was established in 1925, by 1927 Its population had grown to 200. It was originally designed as single rooms to house black male workers for nearby industries of Mutare. During this period, blacks were treated as temporary migrants who did not require family accommodation. Such as philosophy ensure that there was no need to provide blacks with family accommodation. Before 1935 blacks housing provision in Mutare was believed to be financed with profits made through the sale of Opaque beer in beer halls located in the low-income residential area. Sakubva is the poorest of Mutare’s suburbs and its economy is centered on a large outdoor food and flea market called Sakubva Market. Over the past four years, the suburb has suffered as a result of the collapse of the country’s economy. Because of the economic suffering, Sakubva has been a subject of violence due to the activities of the so-called bouncers who work for notable politicians.
3.0 CAUSES OF DRUG ABUSE IN SAKUBVA.
3.1 Poverty;
Due to the increase in the economic situation, the trauma of poverty is leading to the destruction of youth in Sakubva because drugs are spreading like fire. Many young people in Sakubva are taking drugs specifically Crystal meth. Due to the struggle of people in Sakubva young people are using drugs for them to ignore the situations there are facing in their households, it is because there losing hope for a better Sakubva so crystal meth is used to adapt to poverty in the community.
3.2 Unemployment;
Lack of employment is the major cause of drug Abuse. People in Sakubva used to earn a living by working in some industries nearby so due to the transition from the colonial system some industries closed and many people lost their jobs. So the majority of young people are idols, there don’t have jobs to do so there end up Gambling and abusing drugs.
3.3 Domestic Violence;
Due to the consistent fighting of parents in our low-income community, many youths are leaving their homes and end up subjected to crystal meth to relieve themselves from bad situations in their households.
3.4 Lack of Confidence;
Youth are doping due to peer pressure, as they tell each other that a person can not do anything constructive without the influence of drugs. So for them to boost their self-esteem they are taking harmful drugs.
4.0 EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE
4.1 Violent Nature;
Sakubva has been the subject of violence, due to the abuse of drugs like crystal meth the situation has become tense. Meth is leading to high crime rates such as daylight robbery, theft, rape, and so many unfriendly behaviors. In addition, violence and aggressive behavior are common phenomena and this situation leaves no choice for our mothers and sisters to live in fear of being victimized by some of the youths who are taking drugs.
4.2 Mental Illness;
Crystal meth plays a role in the development of a neuropsychological disorder, correlated with disturbance in psychological well-being and unwanted sexual offenses. Drug abuse is not only affecting directly on the users but also impacts family members withdrawing, and isolating themselves from social interaction. Some sources stated that crystal meth was given to Japanese Kamikaze pilots before their suicide missions and it was called a ‘’Miracle drug,’’ since World War2. Young people end up suffering from psychological issues because of its potent central nervous system [CNS] stimulant that mainly used as a recreational drug.
4.3 Poor Health;
Due to the high doses of crystal meth, people tend to overwork, and also they spend sleepless nights. Normally when they take crystal meth they lose appetite which means their bodies will no longer receive the amount of balance food that the body for a person to stay healthy. youths are losing their lives because of some health issues caused by the constant taking of crystal meth.
5.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, in the process of trying to minimize or to stop drug abuse in Sakubva we should get help from the police force. Also, some organizations can help with educating, awareness campaigns, and doing some radio programs about the effects of drugs. For those who are already addicted to crystal meth must be assisted to rehabilitation centers for their treatment. Lastly, those who are dealing with crystal meth should be brought to justice to face the law also there is a need for job creation and maintenance of recreational centers in Sakubva so that young people are distracted from taking harmful substances like crystal meth. Therefore we can find ways to develop our community and live in a free environment without any fear.