Recently, a viral social media video surfaced showing a young lady who was caught stealing car side mirrors in the wee hours of the night around Lubaga road in Kampala.
The young shell-shocked lady, probably a university student, was visibly not from an impoverished background but here she was, caught red-handed by a security guard (who had fired a few shots in the air) and forced to sit on the ground.
Upon interrogation, it emerged that she is just 22 years and was found to have an ingesting kit for recreational drugs. It was obvious that she went to the extremely risky limits of theft in order to aid her drug addiction. To understand the whole situation, especially in context parents with children who may be using drugs, one needs to understand that illicit drug use is a growing problem in Uganda.
Female drug users are particularly vulnerable and often victims of violence or exploitation. For young women struggling with drug addiction, access to opioid substitution therapy and other evidence-based interventions is critical.
These interventions should include: psychosocial support, such as brief interventions that involve assessment, personalized feedback, and tailored advice. Young women are encouraged to seek professional help from rehabilitation centers or harm reduction programs that provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment to support recovery.
Generally, the rising prevalence of illicit drug use in Uganda presents significant public health challenges, particularly in urban centers like Kampala. Although the size of the population using illicit drugs is not fully known, estimates suggest that over 0.16% of urban adults inject drugs.
This has serious implications for HIV prevention efforts, as the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs remains alarmingly high, at approximately 17%. Research from rehabilitation centers indicates that alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opioids are the most commonly used substances.
So, now that families are enjoying holidays with children at home, it is important to know the early signs if a child might be using drugs. Behavioral changes to watch for include isolation, mood swings, loss of appetite, and increased aggressiveness. Physical symptoms may also manifest, such as excessive tearing (lacrimation), sweating, a runny nose, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, and insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
Recognizing these signs early and addressing them through open communication and professional support can make a significant difference in mitigating risks and promoting the child’s well-being.
Granted, differentiating between normal teenage behavior and potential signs of drug use can be challenging for parents, as adolescence is often marked by emotional and behavioral changes. However, the aforementioned indicators may suggest substance use rather than typical teenage behavior. Maintaining open communication and fostering a supportive environment can help parents address these concerns effectively.
The best way for parents to approach their children if they suspect drug use is through a compassionate and nonjudgmental one-on-one conversation. This allows parents to express their concerns and listen to their child in a supportive manner. Additionally, seeking assistance from professional counsellors can provide valuable guidance.
Evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are highly effective in addressing substance use issues and promoting positive behavioral change. Engaging professional support ensures that the child receives tailored care and a safe path toward recovery.
So, to create an open and nonjudgmental environment that encourages children to discuss their struggles with drug use, parents must adopt a supportive and empathetic approach. This involves accepting their children without judgment, regardless of their circumstances, and fostering a safe space where they feel heard and valued.
Emotional and psychological support are essential; parents should actively listen without interrupting, avoid blame or criticism, and express unconditional love and understanding. Building trust is crucial and can be achieved by maintaining consistent, honest communication and demonstrating patience.
On the other hand, parents can take several preventive measures to protect their children from drug use. Open and honest communication is essential engaging in meaningful conversations and actively listening to their concerns helps build trust. Encouraging the development of self-confidence and strong personal values equips children with resilience against negative influences.
Parents should also model positive behavior, as leading by example reinforces the importance of healthy choices. Teaching children how to navigate peer pressure and emphasizing the value of acceptance in healthy relationships can further strengthen their resolve.
Promoting involvement in healthy and creative activities, such as sports, arts, provides constructive outlets for energy and emotions. Education about drugs plays a crucial role in preventing substance use, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed and healthier personal choices.
The scenario when a parent discovers that a child is using drugs can be distressing. So, taking prompt and thoughtful action is crucial to address the situation effectively.
Here are immediate steps to consider:
Stay calm and avoid immediate confrontation, gather information, choose an appropriate time to talk and listen actively. At Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN), we have implemented several key programs and initiatives to support youth who use drugs. These include the provision of Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) and outreach programs offering HIV testing services.
We also conduct school-based interventions, such as educational talks, and disseminates information, education, and communication (IEC) materials with tailored messages focused on drug use prevention. Additionally, the organization provides counseling and psychosocial support to address the emotional and mental health needs of young people.
To enhance long-term outcomes, we also introduced a socio-economic empowerment program, equipping youth struggling with addiction with practical skills in various craft enterprises to improve their livelihoods and foster independence.
Personally, I have encountered numerous challenges while addressing the drug use crisis among youth, spanning individual, structural, and institutional levels. The lack of robust social support systems significantly hinders recovery efforts and the reintegration of youth into their communities.
Structurally, repressive laws and policies, such as the Narcotics Law and the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, criminalize people who use drugs. This criminalization not only marginalizes affected individuals but also discourages them from seeking essential harm reduction services.
At the institutional level, the absence of integrated services, particularly those tailored to the needs of women who use drugs, creates gaps in care. Harm reduction initiatives in Uganda primarily rely on international donors, with minimal domestic financial support.
This financial constraint hampers the expansion and sustainability of essential services for youth who use drugs, these financial constraints limit the organization’s ability to sustain and expand critical services, exacerbating the difficulties in addressing the drug use crisis effectively.
To mitigate the situation, some of the most effective solutions or policies for reducing drug use among young people in Uganda include enhancing social support systems to aid recovery efforts and facilitate the reintegration of youth into their communities.
In fact, our collaboration with the Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital has led to the establishment of Uganda’s first Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) program in December, 2020. This initiative has enrolled numerous individuals, offering them access to essential treatment and psychosocial support services.
The MAT program represents a significant advancement in providing structured treatment options for young people dealing with opioid dependence. which has so far supported 800 clients in overcoming addiction. Among the success stories, over 150 clients have successfully reintegrated with their families, and more than 70 have regained employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable reduction in drug-related theft crimes, as individuals enrolled in the program have overcome the cravings that previously drove them to engage in such activities.
So, addressing drug use prevention and treatment in Uganda is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. My aspirations for the future in this area encompass several key objectives such as enhanced prevention strategies, strengthened treatment infrastructure, integrated harm reduction services, policy development and implementation, community engagement and education as well as research and data collection.
I have no doubt that by focusing on these areas, Uganda can make significant strides in mitigating the impact of substance abuse, improving public health outcomes, and enhancing the well-being of its population.
However, the introduction of repressive drug policies, such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act 2023, which focuses on criminalization rather than a public health approach, poses a significant threat to these efforts. Such punitive policies risk undermining the progress made in addressing the drug use crisis in Uganda.
Additionally, the limited government investment in drug use prevention and treatment is a major concern, as the programs are predominantly donor-funded. My fear is that if donor support were to be withdrawn, Uganda might lose the critical successes achieved in preventing and treating drug use.
Moving forward, I hope to see increased government commitment, including sustainable funding mechanisms, the adoption of evidence-based harm reduction strategies, and the prioritization of public health over criminalization in addressing drug use.
The author is executive director of Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN), a drug-user-led national network that responds to the drug use crisis in Uganda.
