Chapter 4: Drug and Substance Use – Understanding, Impact, and Guidance

Drug and substance use among adolescents is a growing concern in many Zimbabwean communities. Parents often feel shocked, confused, or ashamed when they realise how common substance use has become — sometimes even within their own homes.

This chapter helps parents understand:

• What substances do to the developing brain
• Why early exposure is especially dangerous
• How to respond practically and consistently
• Why change takes time, not fear

Why Adolescents Are Vulnerable to Substance Use Adolescence is a time of emotional intensity, curiosity, and risk-taking. At the same time, the adolescent brain is still developing, especially the parts responsible for judgment, impulse control, and long-term decision-making.

Because of this, adolescents are:

• More sensitive to pleasure and reward
• More influenced by peers
• Less able to stop themselves once a behaviour feels good

Substances such as alcohol, marijuana (mbanje), crystal meth (mutoriro), bronco and other cough syrups, cigarettes, and vaping products affect adolescents more strongly than adults.

How Drugs and Alcohol Affect the Developing Brain The adolescent brain continues developing into the mid-20s. When substances are used during this stage, they interfere with how the brain learns to regulate emotions, manage stress, and make decisions.

Substance use during adolescence can:

• Reduce impulse control
• Affect memory and concentration
• Increase emotional instability
• Weaken judgment and planning skills

Early exposure trains the brain to rely on substances for comfort, pleasure, or escape instead of healthy coping skills.

The Effects of Drug and Substance Use on Adolescents The impact of substance use is not only immediate. Many effects develop gradually and affect a young person’s future.

How to Recognise Possible Substance Use Parents often say, “I didn’t know until it was serious.” Early signs are usually behavioural and emotional.

Common Warning Signs

Your adolescent may:

• Become secretive or defensive
• Change friends suddenly
• Stay out late or disappear for long periods
• Lose interest in school, chores, or family
• Have sudden mood swings
• Ask for money frequently without explanation

Physical Signs (Often Appear Later)

• Red or glazed eyes
• Slurred speech
• Poor hygiene
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Smell of alcohol or smoke

One sign alone does not confirm substance use, but patterns over time are important.

When Substance Use Is Normalised at Home In some families, substances — especially alcohol — are easily accessible and treated as harmless.

In one household, alcohol was kept openly in the fridge and viewed as normal. Adolescents were allowed to drink occasionally, and younger children observed and copied this behaviour.

The parents did not intend harm. They believed supervision made it safer. However, this early exposure sent powerful messages to the children:

• “This is safe.”
• “This is normal.”
• “This has no consequences.”

For a developing brain, this increases the risk of habit formation, blurred boundaries, and addiction later in life.

Why Punishment Alone Does Not Work

Many parents respond with shouting, beating, or threats. Fear may stop behaviour temporarily, but it does not build understanding, self-control, or internal values.

Harsh punishment often leads to:

• Secrecy
• Dishonesty
• Running away
• Increased risk-taking

Guidance builds skills. Fear builds distance.

How to Help Your Teen Practically

1. Reduce Access

If substances are easily available at home, adolescents are more likely to experiment. Removing access is protection, not punishment.

2. Communicate Calmly

Choose calm moments. Avoid accusations. Instead of saying:

“You are destroying your life.”

Try: “I am concerned about your health and future.”

3. Explain the ‘Why’

Help adolescents understand that their brains are still developing and that substances interfere with that growth. Repeat this message often.

4. Set Clear, Consistent Boundaries

Support does not mean permissiveness. Adolescents need clear rules, predictable consequences, and consistent follow-through. Boundaries create safety, even when resisted.

5. Address Underlying Needs

Substance use is often a coping strategy for stress, pain, or peer pressure. Ask open questions and listen more than you speak.

6. Seek Support Early

Counsellors, clinics, churches, and community organisations can help. Early support prevents long-term harm.

Simple Exercises for Parents

You don’t need to do everything. Even small changes make a difference.

1. Notice Triggers

Think about when your teen is most likely to get into trouble. Ask yourself:

• Is it after school?
• On weekends?

• When they are bored or stressed?
• When no adult is around?

👉 Write down one or two risky times.

2. Spot Risky Situations

Some places and people increase risk. Ask:

• Are there friends who influence bad choices?
• Are there places with little supervision?

👉 Awareness comes before control.

3. Offer Better Options

Teens need something to do. Simple alternatives:

• Sports or games
• Church or youth groups
• Music, dance, art
• Helping at home or in the community

👉 Busy teens are safer teens.

4. Talk, Don’t Lecture

Choose a calm moment. Try:

“I’m worried about you.”
“Let’s find safer ways to spend your time.”

Short conversations work better than long talks.

Remember

This is not an overnight fix. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Closing Message

“Substances do not only affect behaviour.
They shape the brain, the future, and family relationships.

Early understanding and consistent guidance can change the story.”

Reflection for Parents

Take a moment and ask yourself:

• What behaviours are being normalised in my home?
• What messages does my child receive from what I allow?
• What small change can I make this week to protect my child’s future?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES