MWANGI AND TWALA: How clergy can help fight drug abuse

Alcoholism and other substance problems must be understood as social, economic, spiritual and health problems. This therefore provides an opportunity for all those involved in the campaign against this menace to reorient their energies towards ridding or reducing the vagaries of alcohol and drug use in society.

Religious bodies are central pillars in the promotion of the fundamentals that provide a firm foundation upon which alcohol and drug abuse is dealt with in society.

The truth of the matter is that in churches today, there are people struggling with drug use disorders, albeit quietly. The reality is that in the confines of any religious organisation, someone is suffering in silence, enslaved to some addictive substance or behaviour.

Accepting this reality becomes imperative for the leaders, so as to enable religious organisations to take a stand in the fight against substance abuse and addiction.

Studies have shown religion is an important protective factor against substance abuse and an important support for persons in recovery. Religious leaders are less likely than others to use drugs and less likely to experience negative drug-related consequences. Hence this gives them a pedestal from which to exert their massive influence in fighting the menace of alcohol and drug abuse within their spaces.

The use of religion and spirituality in preventing and treating substance abuse has been well established across the world. According to research carried out in 2009, the possible ways religion may influence substance use and recovery include establishing moral order, providing opportunities to acquire learned competencies, establishing support groups and providing social and organisational ties. This infers that faith-based organisations can partner with other organisations to prevent drug and substance abuse in Kenya.

It is against this backdrop that religious leaders should be alive to the fact that in as much as they like to think their flocks are obedient, compliant and without blemish, sheep wander. And at times they wander into very dark, dangerous places such as alcohol and drug addiction.

Churches have played a pivotal role in the provision of primary, secondary and higher education in Kenya. Through this large network of learning institutions, the church is well placed to promote the campaign against alcohol and drugs to the hundreds of thousands of learners pursuing education in these facilities.

In a study by Peterson Kabugi of Laikipia University published in the African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, the church’s role as outlined in the Bible is not just concentrated on the spiritual wellbeing of the people in the community.

Jesus himself cared for the people He ministered to, making sure to feed them, heal them and even raise the dead. Chiefly in the existing situation where substance abuse especially among the youth is on the increase, the church and faith-based organisations have opportunities to play in society in the fight against substance abuse.

Largely, research shows that youth who are spiritually nimble, engage in a faith group activity, and undertake other religious-related activities are less likely to use or abuse drugs and alcohol. By contrast, those who do not consider religious belief central are more likely to smoke, binge on alcohol and use marijuana compared with the teens who strongly appreciate the significance of religion in their daily lives.

The church has an essential role in remodelling public debate on alcohol and other drugs by shifting the focus from punishment to prevention and treatment. This is entrenched in the Christian belief in the possibilities for modification of behaviour in the life of each individual and eventually in communities.

Religious organisations should strongly encourage annual conferences to develop leadership training opportunities and resources for local religious leaders and congregations to help them with counselling for individuals and families who have alcohol and other drug-related problems.

Twala is Manager Counselling and Rehabilitation-Nacada. [email protected]

Mwangi is Manager Corporate Communications-Nacada. [email protected]