By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – A recent community-based survey has unveiled startling statistics, with 62% of respondents in Sierra Leone reporting the use of illicit drugs. This finding underscores a growing public health crisis that threatens the well-being and safety of communities across the country.
Speaking at the survey’s launch at the Hub Hotel in Wilberforce, Freetown, on Friday, December 6, 2024, Health and Sanitation Minister, Austin Demby, emphasized the significance of the data, describing the report as a “game changer.” He noted that the findings would enable the Ministry and the government to take decisive, evidence-based actions to tackle the drug epidemic.
“This research is not just another report, but the beginning of a new chapter, an opportunity to take bold steps to address the menace of drug abuse. The solutions will be inclusive, adaptive, and aimed at building a healthier nation,” Minister Demby stated. He also highlighted the need for collective action, referencing President Bio’s call for everyone to join the fight against drug abuse.
The report comes amid rising concerns over the dramatic increase in psychoactive substance use in Sierra Leone. According to the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, cases of substance abuse have surged by 2000% between 2020 and 2023, particularly among urban youths aged 20 to 29. The hospital has also seen a spike in mental health issues such as psychosis and substance use disorders, though experts believe these figures may be underreported due to a lack of national programs and limited community awareness.
Despite some existing research on mental health in the country, comprehensive data on the prevalence and drivers of substance use had been limited until now. The new survey, funded by The Carter Center in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network, seeks to bridge that gap and provide critical insights to guide effective interventions and policy development.
The survey involved interviews with 16,823 participants, 60% of whom were male, and 31% were between the ages of 25 and 42. Notably, 31% had no formal education, and 66% reported using psychoactive substances. Of these, 37% acknowledged using multiple drugs. The highest rates of drug use were found in Bo (73%), Western Area Urban (71%), and Tonkolili (54%).
The most commonly used substances were tobacco (19.8%), alcohol (18.3%), and Kush (17.3%), while cannabis was the least used (4.5%). The geographic distribution of use varied, with tobacco most prevalent in Bo and Kenema, alcohol in Port Loko and Tonkolili, and Kush in Western Area Urban. The study also noted a sharp rise in the use of new psychoactive substances since 2015.
Regarding sources of psychoactive substances, 64% of respondents said they obtained drugs from neighbors, 43% from friends, and 42% from ghettos. Only 12% cited pharmacies, and 10% mentioned family members. Peer pressure was the most common reason for drug use (45%), followed by stress relief (32%) and curiosity (16%).
The consequences of drug use were far-reaching. Of the 11,088 users surveyed, 27% reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms, 17% admitted to neglecting their families, and 12% had engaged in illegal activities or lost their jobs. Stigmatization was also a significant issue, with 63% of users reporting social rejection, 55% experiencing family conflicts, and 54% struggling to find employment.
Mental health issues were prevalent among users, with 60% of respondents reporting depression. Among them, 33% had mild depression, and 8% were severely depressed. Alarmingly, 53% of those with depression were also abusing multiple substances. Severe depression was particularly high among users of alcohol, Kush, and tobacco, with a strong correlation between the abuse of these substances and increased depression severity.
The findings of this landmark survey provide a crucial foundation for developing targeted interventions to combat the growing drug problem in Sierra Leone. With the government and health authorities committed to tackling the issue, the hope is that these efforts will bring about meaningful change in the lives of those affected by substance abuse. SKS/9/12/2024
