Youths battling drugs want rehab centre built in Isiolo

Tens of youths from Isiolo who are battling drug and substance addiction have appealed to Governor Mohamed Kuti to establish a rehabilitation centre where they can get the right treatment and counselling services.

The 30 youths who have been using bhang and hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin for more than five years said they have started the journey to quit drugs but are still struggling with the obsession.

Among the challenges the group faces in the reformation journey is lack of jobs to keep them engaged and inaccessibility of methadone which neutralises drugs in their bodies and purifies the blood.

Led by their chairperson Hussein Ibrahim, the youths said that lack of the required medicines in local chemists and hospitals is delaying their process to reform.

“We are appealing to the governor to expedite the process so that we overcome the addiction without harming ourselves,” said Mr Ibrahim.

Adverse effects

Drug addiction has seen many youths drop out of school, sell household items and indulge in crime while a number have already gone berserk.

The group said establishment of a rehab centre will complement County Commissioner Herman Shambi's efforts to completely eradicate the drugs menace.

Ms Safia Shariff Mohammed whose 32-year-old son has turned into a zombie is among parents who have joined the youths in their efforts to suppress the obsession.

“My son cannot do simple tasks such as washing clothes and bathing and has to be closely monitored on a 24-hour basis,” said Ms Safia.

She noted that due to financial constraints, she cannot take him to rehab in Nairobi.

“I am sometimes forced to tie him using chains to prevent him from hurting anyone,” she added.

No families

Other parents who spoke to the Nation lamented that some of their sons who are over 40 years old have been unable to settle down and start families.

“There is need for immediate intervention by the county government, elected leaders and other stakeholders in helping the young addicts to reform and be productive,” a parent who sought anonymity said.

Retired chief Peter Edong'a said some of the addicted youths were talented and that a number of them were part of the Isiolo football team that won the Safaricom Sakata Dimba competition in 2011.

“It is sad that the once talented youths, whom I personally interacted with, have been reduced to zombies. The county government should help them get back to their original selves as most parents cannot afford rehab fees,” he appealed.