In today’s workplace, drug and substance misuse are big concerns for employees, resulting in poor performance and absenteeism, which impacts the performance of the institutions for which they work. Recognizing the impacts and implementing preventative measures in the workplace might be an important mitigating element in dealing with this problem.
To this end, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in collaboration with the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), organized a two-day Family-based training on alcohol and drug addiction.
The goal of the training was to equip and educate the JKUAT employees to deal with and prevent substance addiction at the family level.
The training, which was attended by 82 staff members from several departments, comes at a time when the government has declared war on alcohol and drug addiction, and families are still at odds as a result of the long-term repercussions of substance usage.
While welcoming the participants, the Dean of students, Prof. Fredah Wanzala emphasized the relevance of the training, stating that it will address an issue that impacts not just individuals but also entire families and communities.
“Substance misuse affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It disrupts families, impedes academic achievement, and poses serious health hazards. It is an issue that demands a joint effort to tackle, which is why this training is crucial,” said Prof. Wanzala.
The NACADA Regional Manager, Central Region, Mr. Amos Warui stated that dealing with substance misuse is the duty of the
entire family and community noting a collaborative effort could build a supportive environment that encourages healthy choices and resilience in the face of substance misuse temptations.
“Substance abuse not only affects the individual but also has profound impacts on family members. This training will provide resources and techniques to support loved ones who are struggling with addiction,” said Mr. Warui.
Mr. Joseph Mwangi, Secretary General of the ADA committee and a student counselor, thanked the staff for attending the training in large numbers and urged them to ensure that by the end of the training, they are well placed to deal with and prevent drug and substance addiction.
The student counselor also stated that knowledge is power, and that with the correct information, families can recognize early indicators of abuse and take appropriate action. He also encouraged them to become anti-drug and substance misuse advocates in their communities.
“Families do not operate in isolation. By engaging with community programs and resources, we can build a stronger support network and amplify our efforts to combat substance abuse,” he stated.
Family-based training is one of the most successful methods for preventing and treating substance misuse. Families are the foundation of our civilization. They serve as the major support system for individuals, particularly young ones, as they navigate life’s challenges. When families are aware, prepared, and unified, they can successfully intervene and prevent substance misuse.
