How Kenyan Youth Can Overcome Drug Addiction and Build Future

By  Tracy Apondu

Salim (not his real name) was a brilliant second-year university student known for his sharp intellect and ambition to become an engineer.

Everything changed when he started hanging out with the people. It started with one try of something bad during a weekend hangout but it quickly became a daily thing. In a months he stopped caring about school his grades got worse he spent all his money and eventually he had to leave the university for good. Salim is one of many young people in Kenya who had a lot of potential but it was ruined by drug abuse.

Drug abuse is when you take things like alcohol, cigarettes or bad medicines in ways that hurt your body, mind and life. Experts say that it often starts with trying something new but it can quickly become a habit. When your body and brain start needing these things just to feel normal you have a problem. That one small decision can quickly become the thing that happens in a young persons life.

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The Devastating Impact on Future Potential

Substance abuse does a lot of damage. It hurts your ability to make choices and it takes over your body and mind. It happens fast. Drugs make it hard to focus which means you cannot do well in school or at work. It also costs a lot of money which can lead to problems and having to quit school. For people this means they cannot have a stable future.

To get your life back on track you need to make a plan and stick to it every day. The people you hang out with can help or hurt you so you need to choose them. Our elders always say that you should surround yourself with people who help you achieve your goals. If your friends like to do things they are not good friends.

Reclaiming Your Path and Purpose

If you do not have anything to do you might get into trouble. So you need to find something you like like learning a skill or starting a new hobby. This will help you stay focused and away, from things. You need to be strong and believe in yourself. When people try to get you to do something you need to say no and remember what you want to achieve. Real friends will respect your choices.

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Doing drugs might feel good for a while but it can ruin your life. The young people of Kenya are talented. Can build a great future. If you feel like you need help you can talk to a counselor. Go to a rehabilitation center. It is okay to ask for help. You can choose to have a future and a good life. Just say no to drugs.