The Sunday Mail
Natasha Rebecca Mukoti
DRUG abuse has become a common problem in most schools.
It is affecting the social and medical condition of students, not only in Zimbabwe but also across the globe.
Several measures have been adopted to tackle the bane but cases still remain high.
Clearly, more still needs to be done.
Yes, there are drugs that are meant to save lives, but, sadly, several are now being abused for recreational purposes by some rogue elements. Drug abuse affects the mental balance of students reducing their capacity to focus on school work.
Students that abuse drugs also tend to quarrel a lot with their counterparts and in most cases over trivial issues.
Thus, students who abuse drugs not only cause harm to themselves but also create problems for those around them.
Indications are that most students are lured into drug and substance abuse through peer pressure. In most instances, they are misled into thinking that certain drugs help one improve in sporting activities or boost concentration in class.
That is all false.
Drugs will only ruin your life. Nothing good comes out of drug and substance abuse.
Schools should boost security so as to stop learners from abusing drugs. Random searches must be conducted. There is also need for awareness campaigns, which highlight the dangers of substance abuse and how one can get help should they be facing drug abuse challenges.
Students should also be equipped with ways to fight negative peer pressure. They need to be advised that it is normal not to belong to a group of people that are deviant.
Police involvement may be necessary in some instances since some of the students may resist punishments at schools.
In conclusion, I would like to urge my colleagues to shun drugs and negative peer pressure. Let us embrace a healthy life and focus on our studies.
Remember, “we always become like those we surround ourselves with”.