Titus Nafine
ONE of the most serious societal problems with harmful effects on Namibian society today is alcohol and drug abuse. It involves harmful use of these intoxicating substances.
These two substances are a global problem that affects every part of the world, and it is believed Africa is the victim of alcohol and drug abuse. This contemporary issue is becoming more serious and increasing each day worldwide.
Therefore, this piece will focus on the various impacts of alcohol and drug abuse, and it will be based more on the aspects of lives in our communities or societies and how they drive health problems.
Namibia has a very serious problem as far as alcohol and drug abuse is concerned, which has affected thousands of individuals, families and societies, both directly and indirectly, including their physical, mental and spiritual health capacities. Consequently, it has led to increased crime, a reduction in productivity, increased car accidents, gender-based violence, and so many more.
Alcohol and drug abuse contribute to death and injury, with youths being the majority of victims and the most affected. These two scourges have also contributed to the decrease in life expectancy of the people abusing them, resulting in a great number of orphans and street kids.
In addition, alcohol and drug abuse have also weakened the health systems of many people who partake and participate in their consumption. Alcohol and drug abuse have had a negative impact on the country’s economy; and as a result, the government has to spend millions of dollars annually on crime prevention, health-care provision, and making up for lost productivity.
All this remains a major impact on both individual lives and community development. Therefore, as everyone looks forward to environmental betterment, economic and social determination in improving health, safety and the nation’s well-being, we must improve public education as well as the most effective policies to address them.
We must also access, with the guidance of healthcare, the treatment required for those who are addicted to those illicit substances. Finally, public policies may also play a vital role in ensuring that substances are not easily accessible.
Prevention is better than cure! Stay safe.
*Titus Nafine is a first-year philosophy student at St Charles Lwanga Major Seminary in Windhoek.