HARARE – Substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s youth is fast emerging as one of the country’s most pressing public health concerns, cutting across urban and rural communities and affecting families, schools, and the broader social fabric.

Recent data paints a worrying picture. Studies estimate that up to 57% of Zimbabwean youths have engaged in drug or substance abuse, highlighting the scale of the crisis, while community surveys show that 79% of Zimbabweans believe drug abuse is widespread in their communities.

From alcohol and cannabis to inhalants and misused prescription drugs, the range of substances drawing in young people is widening. Behind the statistics lies a deeper story—one of mental health struggles, economic pressures, and a search for belonging.

In an in-depth interview, health practitioner Bright Nyanhete unpacked the drivers behind this growing crisis and outlined practical, community-based solutions that could help reverse the trend.

Mr Nyanhete explains that while alcohol remains the most accessible and socially accepted substance among young people, there is increasing concern over emerging trends, including synthetic drug use in some urban centres.

“Substance use among youths is rarely just about experimentation,” he said. “It is often tied to deeper issues—economic stress, unemployment, peer pressure, family instability, and unresolved trauma.”

National trends support this observation. Research shows that drug abuse among young people has been steadily increasing over the years, rising from around 43% in 2017 to over 57% in recent estimates.

For many young people, he added, drugs and alcohol become a coping mechanism—an escape from uncertainty and emotional distress.
Central to the discussion is the strong connection between mental health and substance abuse.

According to Mr Nyanhete, conditions such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation significantly increase the risk of substance use.

“Prevention must start with mental health,” he emphasized. “If we create safe spaces where young people can talk openly and access support early, we reduce the likelihood of them turning to substances.”

Studies reinforce this link, showing that adolescents who use substances often report higher stress levels and lower life satisfaction, with some localised research indicating around 28% of adolescents are already using substances in certain high-risk communities.

He called for early mental health screening in schools and clinics, as well as the normalization of conversations around emotional well-being to break stigma.

Schools, Mr Nyanhete noted, are critical in shaping youth behaviour and can serve as powerful prevention hubs.

He recommends integrating life skills training into the curriculum—equipping students with tools for stress management, decision-making, and goal-setting. Expanding extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and science clubs can also provide positive outlets and a sense of purpose.

“Teachers must be trained to identify warning signs and respond with empathy rather than punishment,” he said.

Access to confidential counseling services, either on-site or through referrals, is also essential.

Encouragingly, surveys show that 71% of Zimbabweans trust schools to play an effective role in combating drug abuse, highlighting their central role in prevention efforts.

Beyond schools, families play a foundational role in prevention.

Mr Nyanhete highlighted the importance of open and non-judgmental communication within households, urging parents and guardians to create safe environments where young people feel heard.

“Children who feel supported at home are less likely to seek comfort in harmful substances,” he explained.

Research also shows that nearly 69% of Zimbabweans believe families are key in addressing substance abuse, reinforcing the importance of strong family support systems.

Monitoring behavioural changes, modeling healthy coping strategies, and limiting access to substances at home are among the key steps families can take.

Addressing substance abuse requires more than individual or family efforts—it demands coordinated community and policy responses.

Mr Nyanhete called for increased investment in youth-friendly mental health services, particularly those that are affordable and accessible. He also emphasized the importance of mobile and tele-mental health services to reach underserved rural communities.

Community centres, he said, should be empowered to run peer-led programs and provide safe spaces for young people.

“Rehabilitation and education must take priority over punishment,” he added, advocating for justice systems that encourage recovery rather than stigmatization.

The urgency is underscored by broader trends: substance abuse in Zimbabwe has been described as reaching “crisis levels”, with the problem increasingly viewed as a national concern requiring multi-sectoral intervention.

Encouragingly, Mr Nyanhete acknowledged growing efforts at national level to address these challenges.

He pointed to increased recognition of mental health as a national priority, alongside youth-focused initiatives aimed at prevention and empowerment.

“The leadership’s emphasis on social welfare and youth development is a positive step,” he said. “When policies align with community needs, we begin to see real change.”

Programs spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth, under Minister Tino Machakaire, have contributed to creating platforms that engage and support young people, while broader government commitment continues to strengthen the response framework. A practical example is the creation of vocational training centres all around the country which will play a key role in empowering our youth.

Mr Nyanhete urged parents, teachers, and community members to remain vigilant for early warning signs of substance use.

These include sudden mood swings, withdrawal from social circles, declining academic performance, irregular attendance, and secretive behaviour.

“Approach with care, not judgment,” he advised. “The goal is to support, not to shame.”

Looking ahead, Nyanhete outlined practical steps communities can take within a short period.
“Communities can start by organizing youth mental health awareness campaigns, establishing school or community-based counseling services like the Angel of Hope foundation run by the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, launching mentorship programs, creating safe recreational spaces through sports and arts initiatives and partnering with health professionals for screening and referrals.
“These are achievable interventions that can make a meaningful difference in a short time,” he said.
Ultimately, tackling substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s youth requires a collective effort—one that brings together families, schools, communities, and policymakers.

“With the right support systems in place, young people can thrive,” Nyanhete said. “They need to feel seen, heard, and hopeful about their future.”

As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its approach through policy and community engagement, there is cautious optimism that the tide can be turned—one conversation, one intervention, and one life at a time.