Although much is said to be done in combating alcohol abuse by President Ian Khama’s government, the argument is that Botswana is still lagging behind in rehabilitation and treatment of substance abuse.
This was agreed upon by members of the public and panellists at the Botswana Substance Abuse Support Network (BOSASNet) monthly panel discussion at the University of Botswana.
One panellist, a Psychiatrist and Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital Superintendant, Dr Mpho Thula, said there is a shortage of services in the public health system dealing with substance abuse in this country. He also lamented the shortage of facilities and reliable methods to combat and remedy substance abuse in this country.
Dr Thula said that Sbrana Psychiatrist hospital remains a reliable centre for rehabilitation and treatment of substance abuse.
Thula said in 2007, among admission to mental health services, substance abuse accounted for 14% of admissions, and 7.5% of out-patient were attended at Sbrana.
He added that the hospital, however, does not have enough to offer for its expected services.
“Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital does not offer residential rehabilitation services to those with addiction problems. Service offered is only assisted withdrawal or detoxification for those with mainly alcohol dependency,” said Dr Thula, adding that the government also does not do referrals to other countries as that is too expensive. Elsie Alexandra, from University of Botswana, also an activist in women rights and gender issues, said just like it was in the past with HIV/AIDS, there is denial on the side of government on this problem of substance abuse. She said much emphasis is only put on alcohol abuse while there are many drugs which continue to affect our communities.
Marijuana was said to be the most used and the less controlled, by members of the public who attended.
Talking from the panel table was charismatic Ethel Thobega from the Independent Order of True Templars (Lobatse), who told the audience that only spirituality can fight the war against substance abuse. Being a devoted Christian, she said, they use faith in God to deal with matters of substance abuse.
BOSASNet, together with stakeholders, joined hands last week to increase the community’s awareness about the extent of substance abuse and dependency in Botswana. BOSASNet also invited panellists who can offer their expertise and knowledge on substance abuse. The members of the public were also allowed to participate in this issue.
BOSASNet has formally adopted the theme of ‘Raising Awareness’ on substance abuse through existing networks and structures for the year 2013 in order to increase the community’s awareness about the extent of the issues of substance abuse and dependency in Botswana.
This month’s topic at the public discussion was ‘Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation’.
