MENTAL HEALTH: REHABILITATION & RELAPSE
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Article by Dassy R Mhaka 

        

FACT

85% of individuals relapse within a year of treatment according to the National Institution on Drug Abuse.

The increase in the rate of cases of Drug and Substance Abuse (DSA) has also seen an increase in the demand for rehabilitation centers.   Drug and Substance Abuse has been attributed to economic hardships in the country that have increased the rate of unemployment and idleness. With the rate of unemployment increasing, depression and anxiety seem to be the order of the day hence drugs and substances appear to be the only safe haven for young people. Unfortunately, the effects of DSA do not only affect users but caregivers as well. Despite the “Clean-Up Zimbabwe” Campaign, a number of admissions have not responded positively. Moreover, there is a severe shortage of human resources for mental health, and the number of estimated psychiatrists is estimated at 18 (0.1 per 100 000 population) with 17 based in Harare. The rehabilitation facilities have been overwhelmed by the number of patients and the privately owned rehabilitation centers are not accessible to everyone due to financial constraints. In Zimbabwe, there are 13 known rehabilitation Centers in Zimbabwe inclusive of the 4 public psychiatric Institutions thereby reflecting the shortage of facilities that offer assistance to people struggling with DSA. Despite the establishment of rehabilitation centers, it has been clear that most people suffer from relapse and therefore have to go back to rehabilitation hence the fallibilities remain overawed. Relapses are a pertinent issue among DSA survivors therefore there is a need to give utmost love, tolerance, and care to survivors of DSA. Caregivers of DSA survivors should be capacitated on how to live with survivors and how best they can facilitate to make sure that they do not relapse along the way. Drug-taking is a demon that needs divine intervention, personal admission, and professional help. The burden of unpaid care work is not only limited to daily household chores but also involves taking care of the sick and in times like these, victims of Drug and Substance Abuse. In this regard, women need to be celebrated because of the priceless work they do without any remuneration. Girls and Women Empowerment Network (GWEN) in efforts to assist users and caregivers of people who use substances conducted a Mental Health Seminar in Chitungwiza at Aquatic Complex. GWEN Team leader gave a statement during the event, “In the continuous fight against Drug and Substance Abuse,  let us not forget to celebrate women who are caregivers of drug and substance abuse victims.”

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