As the world marked the international day against drug abuse, at least 50 per cent of Kenyans have abused alcohol.
According to Dr Wilson Aruasa, the Chief Executive Officer at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) alcohol tops the list of the most commonly abused drugs by Kenyans, according to data estimations.
“From the data we have collected, at least half our population has abused drugs in one way or the other. For the record, no amount of alcohol is safe for your health,” said Aruasa.
Dr Aruasa was speaking when he led MTRH staff in a town procession to engage members of the public on the dangers posed by the continued abuse of drugs.
The CEO also revealed that some of the hardest hit sectors by drug abuse, especially alcoholism included health, the judiciary, legislature, the banking sector and the military.
“Alcoholism has far-reaching implications on the productivity of an individual, and we want to make sure that we can offer the needed help to these people.”
Such a facility must be multidisciplinary where it offers a variety of services for physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being,” added Aruasa.
Chelagat Saina, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, says a study conducted within Uasin Gishu County ranks alcohol as the most prevalent drug abused by residents at 50 per cent, followed by Tobacco, Cannabis and goes all the way to prescription drugs.
“Research has proven that several mental illnesses at whatever level from anxiety and depression are caused by alcohol and other illicit substances. We also found out that most people use the wrong drugs for the wrong sickness because they have made it a habit,” said Saina.
Doctor Saina dismissed the assumption that drinking alcohol reduces levels of stress while saying it worsens the situation.
She outlined that taking alcohol over time becomes a habitual cycle that you can only come out of through professional help and guidance.
“We are ready, willing and able to offer professional help to every victim who is ready to come out and be helped. MTRH has at least 42 beds for inpatients dealing with drug abuse, and we are also helping many outpatients to help them recover,” added Saina.
There has been an ongoing campaign to end illicit brewing led by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua with Uasin Gishu ranking second in rift valley behind Nakuru among counties with the highest number of illegal brewers.