They say high school constitutes one of the most memorable memories of one’s life.

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Even our parents and grandparents still reminisce over their times in high school.

What perhaps sets aside the current high school students from their alumni is the rate at which they are engaged in drug abuse.

Take time to sit with any student from any day school in the county and what you will hear will shock you.

Today, going to school intoxicated or getting intoxicated while at school is nothing new, with a majority being hooked to more than one drug. 

Here are some of the favourite drugs these youth abuse:

1. Alcohol 

This is the most common. It is easily accessible and relatively cheap. It is not beer and wines they prefer but the hard stuff. The likes of Vodka and Scotch.

2. Jaba 

This is a collective term for khat (miraa) and mugoka. All over the county, you can see them being sold for as low as 50 bob. Over the weekends and even weekdays, you will come across these teens chewing away on the stems and leaves.

3. Weed 

The scientists call it Cannabis sativa. It has as many synonyms as it has users. It is among the most sought for drug among students. How the teachers don’t notice the red-eyed students remains a mystery.

4. Dondoh 

This was new even to me. Apparently, it is a grade of tobacco, ingested by putting it between the lower lip and gum. I got to know that is the hardest of them all. “When I used it for the first time I didn’t like it. It’s high was not a fun high but one that put me out almost instantly. After getting used to it, I found myself wanting more and more of it,” said a student who is now in fourth form.

5. Taptap 

This is just like dondoh in terms of being hardcore. It is however in the form of pills.

6. Tobacco

It is not as popular as the rest but is still a favourite especially among those who chew khat. Preferred brands are dunhill and sportman.

Perhaps society is to blame for this. A majority of this drugs can be accessed without much trouble. This is one problem that we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to. It is of no use if we impact book knowledge while the drugs continue to take roots among the students. Quick action to curb this trend is required ASAP!