Illicit and Prescription Drug Addiction in Zimbabwe
Experience tailored treatment for illicit and prescription drug addiction at Jacaranda Sanctuary. Our skilled team, comprising a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Mental Health Nurse, is committed to providing the right support for individuals and their families. With a wealth of experience, we’ve successfully guided people in crises toward clean and fulfilling lives.
Explore our means-tested pricing, and reach out for confidential assistance. Delve into vital information on prevalent drugs in Zimbabwe, including glue, Broncleer, mangemba, cane spirit, marijuana, codeine, and methamphetamine.
Zimbabwe and a growing drug problem
Substance abuse became an even more serious health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics compiled in 2021 by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network revealed that nearly two-thirds of psychiatric admissions were due to drug abuse.
Many youths in Zimbabwe engage in the consumption of illicit alcohol, methamphetamine, codeine-containing cough syrups, marijuana/cannabis, and sedating opiates. These substances are often either clandestinely produced within local communities or smuggled from neighboring countries through porous entry points, facilitated by well-organized syndicates at official border posts.
These illicit drugs find their way into the hands of young individuals through unlawful transactions, sometimes orchestrated by women who pose as innocent fruit vendors. The issue of Drug and Substance Abuse (DSA) in Zimbabwe can be attributed to escalating poverty and diminishing economic opportunities, leading many young people into idleness and depression, ultimately seeking solace in the use of illicit substances.
In alignment with global trends, DSA presents a significant challenge among Zimbabwean youths.
Meth (Methamphetamine)
Methamphetamine, when consumed in low to moderate doses, exhibits certain effects on individuals. These include the elevation of mood, increased alertness, concentration, and energy, alongside appetite suppression and weight loss. However, at higher doses, the consequences become considerably severe.
Excessive methamphetamine use can induce psychosis, breakdown of skeletal muscle, seizures, and intracranial hemorrhage. Chronic, high-dose consumption may lead to unpredictable mood swings, stimulant psychosis marked by paranoia, hallucinations, delirium, and delusions, as well as aggressive behavior. Recreational use is sometimes driven by methamphetamine’s reported ability to enhance energy, elevate mood, and intensify sexual desire, allowing continuous engagement in sexual activity over several days during drug binges.
The substance carries a high likelihood of addiction, where prolonged or high-dose usage can lead to compulsive drug use. Dependence liability is also notable, with withdrawal symptoms likely upon cessation. Withdrawal from heavy methamphetamine use may result in a post-acute-withdrawal syndrome that persists beyond the typical withdrawal period.
Broncleer Syrup
Broncleer is a prescription cough syrup formulated with a combination of alcohol and codeine. Unlike codeine, commonly recognized as a pain medication, it is also acknowledged for its efficacy in treating coughs. However, it is imperative to note that, akin to any medication containing codeine, Broncleer is associated with a range of adverse side effects.
People in Zimbabwe have consumed thousands of bottles of Broncleer to feel drunk and high simultaneously. 57% of those admitted to Zimbabwe mental institutions were because of Broncleer abuse. 80% of those patients were 16-40-year-olds (mostly males.)
Codeine
Codeine, a widely used opioid, is a short-acting analgesic with effects typically lasting a few hours. Belonging to the opiate class of narcotic prescription medications, codeine is derived from the opium poppy plant, similar to other opioids like heroin, Vicodin, hydrocodone, OxyContin, and Demerol. Physicians often prescribe codeine to address mild-to-moderate pain, manage coughs, and occasionally alleviate gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
While many individuals use codeine as prescribed without issues, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, like other prescription opioids, there is a potential for addiction. Understanding the basics of prescription opioids, including codeine, is essential for safe and informed usage.
Glue (sniffing)
Inhaling glue is a type of substance abuse known as inhalant abuse, and it poses significant health risks. Similar to other substance abuses, inhaling glue can result in addiction. This practice has severe consequences, including the potential for brain damage and heart disorders.
Mangemba
Unfortunately resulting from issues with providing sufficient medications for individuals dealing with mental health issues in Zimbabwe, substances like Mangemba are readily available to abusers in the poorest neighborhoods of Harare. The prevalence of unemployment and a lack of stringent drug regulation contribute to this issue.
Referred to locally as “mablue,” “madembare,” or “mangemba,” these substances are essentially water laced with chlorpromazine, diazepam, and other medications intended for mental health patients. Consuming as many as 12 pills can induce intoxication for an entire week.
Cane Spirit
A concerning trend has emerged as bottles of potent moonshine, cleverly disguised as popular brands of whisky, gin, and vodka, inundated Zimbabwe in recent years. These illicit concoctions, known by street names such as “musombodia,” “kachasu,” or “tumbwa,” are created by blending ethanol or methanol with a brownish coloring.
Illegal distillers further dilute the mixture with water to lower the alcohol content, packaging the resulting liquid in bottles that mimic legitimate spirits, complete with imitation labels for well-known brands. A more surreptitious form of illicit whisky, referred to as Soldier, is peddled in plastic sachets.
The chronic consumption of sugarcane spirit poses serious effects and can result in severe liver damage.
Marijuana
Understanding the potential impact of marijuana on your health is crucial. It’s noteworthy that marijuana smoke, similar to tobacco smoke, can irritate the throat and lungs. The substance has the potential to elevate airway inflammation, increase airway resistance, and induce lung hyperinflation.
Individuals who engage in heavy marijuana smoking may face significant health issues, including conditions like bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Therefore, being aware of these potential effects on lung health is essential for individuals using marijuana.
Embark on a journey to recovery with Jacaranda Sanctuary. Seek help, explore our comprehensive treatment options, and find the support needed to break free from the chains of drug addiction. Learn more about our approach and the transformative programs we offer for a brighter, addiction-free future.