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Concern over illicit 'kambwa' addiction
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Authorities at the government-run Chipadze Rehabilitation and Detoxification Centre in Bindura have raised alarm over an increasing number of clients addicted to illicit brews, cannabis, and crystal meth, which are flooding local markets.
Registered general nurse Tatenda Mutizira, speaking during a tour of Mashonaland Central province, said most clients were consuming strong illicit brews, locally known as kambwa, which are sold for as little as US$0.50. She noted that such substances are more challenging to detoxify than other drugs.
"They are taking the strong stuff which they buy for US$0.50. Other drugs like cannabis and crystal meth are also common and are not easy to detoxify compared to the illicit brews," Mutizira said.
She added that drug abuse alters brain function, affecting clients' reasoning and sense of self, making rehabilitation a complex process.
Bindura Provincial Hospital medical superintendent Budirirai Gwagwa reported that the centre has recorded over 140 admissions since its opening. "Most of our clients have successfully completed the three-month rehabilitation programme," he said, adding that reintegration into society and skills development are central to reducing relapse rates.
Officially opened in July 2023, the 24-bed Chipadze Detoxification and Drug Rehabilitation Centre is Zimbabwe's first standalone government facility dedicated to drug addiction treatment. It offers long-term residential care, home visits, family therapy, community reintegration, occupational therapy, group therapy interventions, and referral services for support groups.
Research indicates that drivers of drug abuse include peer pressure, broken families, emotional and physical abuse, and curiosity, often leading to addiction.
Registered general nurse Tatenda Mutizira, speaking during a tour of Mashonaland Central province, said most clients were consuming strong illicit brews, locally known as kambwa, which are sold for as little as US$0.50. She noted that such substances are more challenging to detoxify than other drugs.
"They are taking the strong stuff which they buy for US$0.50. Other drugs like cannabis and crystal meth are also common and are not easy to detoxify compared to the illicit brews," Mutizira said.
She added that drug abuse alters brain function, affecting clients' reasoning and sense of self, making rehabilitation a complex process.
Bindura Provincial Hospital medical superintendent Budirirai Gwagwa reported that the centre has recorded over 140 admissions since its opening. "Most of our clients have successfully completed the three-month rehabilitation programme," he said, adding that reintegration into society and skills development are central to reducing relapse rates.
Officially opened in July 2023, the 24-bed Chipadze Detoxification and Drug Rehabilitation Centre is Zimbabwe's first standalone government facility dedicated to drug addiction treatment. It offers long-term residential care, home visits, family therapy, community reintegration, occupational therapy, group therapy interventions, and referral services for support groups.
Research indicates that drivers of drug abuse include peer pressure, broken families, emotional and physical abuse, and curiosity, often leading to addiction.
Source - online
