Dr. Loveness Ndebele from Ingutsheni Central Hospital discovered alarming drug abuse rates in Bulawayo. Her research shows that one in three men and one in five women actively abuse substances in the region. The study of 1,000 youths revealed that 63.5 percent identified as Christians from traditional churches like Baptist, SDA, and Roman Catholic. Only one participant belonged to the Apostolic sect, which typically promotes strict moral standards.
Dr. Ndebele highlighted energy drink misuse among students and drivers as a growing concern. These caffeine products disrupt sleep patterns, damage memory, and harm concentration abilities. Alcohol causes even more serious brain problems, especially in the hippocampus, where memories are formed. Long-term use leads to irreversible mental decline, according to the psychiatrist.
Ingutsheni Hospital feels the strain with substance-related disorders making up most patient admissions. CEO Dr. Nemache Mawere reports that 70-80 percent of male patients and about 50 percent of female patients come in with these issues. Crystal meth, codeine cough syrups, and emerging cases of needle drug use worry medical staff. The Zimbabwean government recently approved plans for a specialized agency to fight drug trafficking and abuse.
Dr. Ndebele highlighted energy drink misuse among students and drivers as a growing concern. These caffeine products disrupt sleep patterns, damage memory, and harm concentration abilities. Alcohol causes even more serious brain problems, especially in the hippocampus, where memories are formed. Long-term use leads to irreversible mental decline, according to the psychiatrist.
Ingutsheni Hospital feels the strain with substance-related disorders making up most patient admissions. CEO Dr. Nemache Mawere reports that 70-80 percent of male patients and about 50 percent of female patients come in with these issues. Crystal meth, codeine cough syrups, and emerging cases of needle drug use worry medical staff. The Zimbabwean government recently approved plans for a specialized agency to fight drug trafficking and abuse.
