Peer pressure cited in rising drug abuse cases in Kiambu with call for action to curb vice

Last year, President William Ruto directed the National Police Service and the regional administration to crackdown on dealers of illicit brew.

However, the situation remains dire in Central region.

A recent survey of drugs and substances abuse showed that over 4.7 million Kenyans abuse at least one substance.

Some 3.1 million Kenyans among them consume alcohol with 2.3 million Kenyans using tobacco.

Michael Weru, who runs a rehabilitation centre in Thika, said the battle against addiction can only be won through an integrated approach, incorporating all the stakeholders among them government departments, rehabilitation centers, the victims and their families. 
He spoke on Thursday, during the launch of the rehabilitation centre.

“There is need for coordination between both county and national governments as well as investors in the private sector if the initiative to fight alcoholism and addiction is to bear fruit,” he said.
Adding that the cost of treatment can be penalizing, Waweru emphasized on the need for NHIF to cater for a wider range of services such as mental health.

Several government facilities offer mental health services at a minimum fee.
Recovering addicts also called for help in reintegration within the society.

“Don’t treat us like outcasts. The problem we are facing is a condition just like any other,” on person who has gone through rehabilitation, but sought anonymity, said.
Those struggling with addiction singled out peer pressure, availability of drugs and social media as some of the influences that led them down the wrong path.
They urged the youth to avoid experimenting with drugs and alcohol, adding that it is easy to slip into addiction.