The ManicaPost
Portia Zimbeni
Post Correspondent
DRUG and substance abuse is a serious problem affecting many university students in different countries throughout the world, and Zimbabwe has not been spared.
The challenges hindering effective reduction of drug abuse among university students are ease of access and availability of drugs, peer pressure, poor policy implementation, family issues, low self-esteem, and frustrations among others.
Research, teaching and learning as well as community engagement can help universities in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Research
There is need for institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe to invest in research as prevention measures and reduce the harmful consequences of drug abuse among university students in Zimbabwe.
Research can provide evidence-based strategies to prevent, reduce, and treat substance use problems among students.
Universities can conduct surveys and assessments to understand the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of drug and substance abuse among students, as well as the factors that influence their use and recovery.
The institutions of higher learning should develop testing prevention programmes that target the individual, interpersonal, and environmental risk and protective factors for drug and substance abuse, such as peer pressure, stress, coping skills, and campus norms and policies.
There is also need to come up with implementing and evaluating treatment programmes that offer a range of services and modalities to meet the diverse needs and preferences of students with substance use disorders, such as counselling, medication, self-help, and digital therapeutics.
Research can help universities in the fight against drug and substance abuse by creating a culture of health and wellness that promotes student success and well-being.
Teaching and learning
Universities can play a vital role in preventing and reducing drug abuse among their students by using evidence-based strategies that involve teaching and learning.
They should provide comprehensive and interactive drug education programmes that inform students about the effects and risks of drug use, help them develop personal and social skills, and empower them to make healthy choices.
Universities should creating an inclusive and supportive campus culture that fosters positive relationships among students, teachers, staff, and community members.
Implementing regulations, policies and practices that promote a drug-free campus and address any drug-related incidents in a fair and effective manner.
This includes having clear rules and consequences for drug use and collaborating with local law enforcement and health agencies.
They can encourage student participation and leadership in drug prevention activities and campaigns that raise awareness and challenge norms and attitudes that favour drug use.
Universities can include drug and substance abuse in the curriculum because it is an important public health issue that affects many people, especially young adults.
By educating students about the science and consequences of drug use, universities can help them make informed decisions and prevent or reduce harm.
Through teaching and learning, universities can make a difference in the lives of their students and contribute to a safer and healthier society.
Community engagement
Community engagement is a key strategy for preventing and reducing drug abuse and substance abuse among university students.
Community engagement involves collaborating with various stakeholders, such as local authorities, health services, media, parents, and youths to raise awareness, change norms, and provide alternatives to substance use.
Empowering youths to engage in community change, such as involving students in planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention initiatives, creating peer support and mentoring networks, and advocating for their needs and rights should be promoted.
Community engagement can help universities in the fight against drug abuse and substance abuse by creating a supportive and protective environment that fosters positive development, well-being, and resilience among students.
Through community engagement, universities can use programmes such as Communities That Care (CTC) and Strengthening Families Programme (SFP).
Communities That Care (CTC):
This is a community-based programme that involves collaboration among various stakeholders, such as schools, families, local agencies, and youth organisations, to prevent youth substance use and other problems.
It uses a data-driven approach to identify and address the specific risk and protective factors in each community, and to implement and monitor evidence-based prevention programs and policies.
CTC can reduce the initiation and prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drug use, as well as delinquency and violence, among youths.
Strengthening Families Programme (SFP):
This is a family-based programme that aims to improve family functioning and reduce substance use and other problems among youths and university students.
It consists of separate sessions for parents and children, followed by joint sessions where they practice the skills they learned.
The programme covers topics such as communication, problem-solving, bonding, setting rules and expectations, and managing stress and emotions.
SFP can also be used as a strategy to reduce the initiation and prevalence of drug and substance abuse among university students and youths.
