By Staff Writer
A new survey on drugs and substance abuses in Zimbabwe has revealed that teenagers are topping the list with the age group being the most vulnerable.
According to a UNICEF September 2023 research brief dubbed, ‘Understanding drug use and substance abuse by Zimbabwean adolescents and young people’, it was found that these dealers popularly known as ‘maJazzman’ are so profit-driven they condone any age.
The research brief is a summary of the findings and recommendations from Muthengo Development Studies (MDS), Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), and Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ).
“Consumption of alcohol, drugs and other substances starts as early as adolescence. While the youngest user in the ZCLDN study was 14 years old, the median age of first drug use was 18 years old. This is comparable with findings from YAZ where the youngest Alcohol Drug and Substance Abuse (ADS) user was 15-year-old.
“According to the MDS study the youngest user was 10 years old, and the 10-18 years old is the most vulnerable age group,” the report said.
Substances used: The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network reports that alcohol, drugs, and other substances abuse in order of consumption is cannabis (67%); cough syrup (47%); crystal meth (36%); illegal alcohol (31%); pharmaceuticals (13%); crack (3%); cocaine powder (3%); and heroin (2%).
Socio-economic distribution: According to the Muthengo Development Solutions study, alcohol, drugs, and other substances abuse is not confined to lower socio-economic quintiles. Young people and adolescent Alcohol Drug and Substance Abuse (ADS) abusers from wealthy families consume the more expensive substances like cocaine, crack, heroin, and legal alcohol; while those from disadvantaged
Gender distribution: Alcohol, drugs and other substances abuse is (41%) in girls compared to boys (59%).
Frequency of use: In the study, skunk, cannabis, illegal alcohol, cough medicines, and liquors approved by the Liquor Traders Association of Zimbabwe (LTAZ) were used by more than 50% of the ADS abusers. Daily consumption were measured in the 30 days preceding the ZCLDN study. 76.5% skunk; 75.1% cannabis; 57.3% illegal alcohol; 56.0% cough medicines; and 50.6% legal alcohol.
