News

Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency at the Ministry of Defense and Security, Mrs Pearl Ramokoka, has attributed the rise in drugs and substance abuse in Botswana to stigma on mental health. This emerged at the recent Annual Counselling Day orgganised by the Department of Careers and Counselling Center Counselling Unit. The theme for the day was Drug Free Life is a Journey of Million’s Support: Recovery is Possible.

According to Mrs Ramokoka, conversations on mental health, drug abuse and addiction were treated as a taboo which made it difficult to tackle the pandemic. She further stated that as a nation, issues on mental health were not easily discussed among families, churches, schools, and social gatherings.

Mrs Ramokoka continued that mental health was rather discussed on a negative perspective because of the stigma that surrounded the subject, leaving victims isolated and resorting to drugs and substance abuse.

“I’m happy that we are going to discuss these issues in a relaxed manner, where we will appreciate that we have a problem and that we are the custodians of the solutions,” noted Mrs Ramokoka.

The initiative by the Counselling Unit came at an opportune time when there was a surge in drugs and substance abuse in the country, especially among young people.  The day started with a march against drugs and substance abuse with industry personnel, followed by motivational talks by young people who had battled with drug abuse but had since recovered. Participants also had the opportunity to get some education on drug related subjects offered by various exhibitors.