Teen Challenge Kenya Rehabilitation Centre in Nakuru has said there is a need for more efforts tp be put towards addressing the menace of drug and substance abuse among youths in the country.
Felix Mbithi, an official from the rehabilitation centre said the menace should not be left to rehabs alone but should be a collective responsibility with everyone playing their role.
Speaking in Nakuru on Monday during a fan day for students from the centre, Mbithi called on parents to take up their responsibility in shaping the lives of the youth in the society.
“No parent gives birth to an addict but it is a habit that develops among the youths and we are saying with the Christian approach, then there is a solution to addiction,” said Mbithi.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Pastor Vincent Musa who is also serving as a counsellor at the Teen Challenge Kenya Rehabilitation Centre in Nakuru.
According to Musa, drug and substance addiction can be attributed to various challenges that the youths undergo in early life stages.
He says if the challenges are not addressed through the right approach then the youths revert to drugs and substance abuse.
According to the counsellor, students at the centre are taken through a Christian approach which includes 14 steps of mentorship among them discipleship.
“Root cause of drug addiction among youths can be attributed to anger, pain, and loss of job among others. And this we are addressing through the Christian approach in the rehab,” he said.
David Mbuvi Wambua who is now undergoing the process of reform at the centre said that the Christian approach has really helped him.
Wambua who almost lost his job as a doctor in Taita Taveta County due to alcohol and cigarette addiction is grateful for the four months he has been at the centre.
He urged youth who are struggling with substance addiction to enrol in a rehab centre.
“You have to accept that you want to change before enrolling in rehab,” he said.