Crystal Meth Addiction Ravages Khubetsoana Community
RETHABILE MOHONO
BEREA- On a Tuesday during the second week of December, widely regarded as the start of the festive season, the streets of Lecoop, Khubetsoana, were bustling with young people. With schools closed and many youths idle, drugs and alcohol became common escapes.
Among these substances, crystal meth has emerged as a particularly destructive force, threatening the well-being of the community.
Crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as crystal meth, is a highly potent and addictive stimulant. It appears in a glass-like or rock-like form and can be smoked, ingested, inhaled, or injected. In Lesotho, especially in areas like Khubetsoana on the outskirts of Maseru, the drug has proliferated, leaving devastating effects on its predominantly young population of over 30,000.
While Khubetsoana is known for producing local talent and supporting thriving businesses, it has also gained notoriety as a hub for drug activity involving substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and crystal meth. This has led to an increase in crime, widespread substance abuse, and school dropouts.
Residents shared how drug use has impacted their lives. One individual, using the pseudonym Ntsebo Sehlabi, recounted being introduced to drugs by peers at the age of 17, shortly after completing high school.
He has been struggling with crystal meth addiction for three years. Ntsebo explained that his initial recreational use of drugs turned into a coping mechanism for dealing with unemployment.
The high unemployment rate in Khubetsoana has contributed significantly to the rise in drug abuse. Without opportunities to earn an income, some families have resorted to selling drugs to survive. Economic hardships in Lesotho have compounded these issues.
According to the World Bank, the country has faced slow growth due to political instability and global economic challenges. From 2015 to 2019, the average real GDP growth rate was 1.6%, and it was projected to drop further between 2019 and 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent retrenchments in the textile industry have also left many young people unemployed, pushing them further into substance abuse as a way to cope.
Interviews with young people using crystal meth revealed that the drug gave them temporary confidence and a sense of belonging.
However, the effects were short-lived, leading to cycles of addiction. Users reported spending between M100 to M200 daily to sustain their habit, with a single bag of crystal meth costing around M50.
Women in Khubetsoana are also heavily impacted by drug use, with many young women facing teenage pregnancies as a consequence of the prevalent drug and alcohol culture.
One young woman expressed frustration at the lack of protection for minors, pointing out that drugs and alcohol are readily available. She noted that authorities are aware of the problem but have taken no action to address it.
Crystal meth addiction poses serious health risks, including rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and even cardiovascular issues such as stroke and heart attack.
A study conducted in 2020 in the United States found that while individuals may not become addicted after a single use, the drug’s rewarding effects often encourage repeated use, leading to addiction. Overdose and long-term physiological effects, such as hyperthermia and irregular heartbeat, are also common.
Speaking to this publication, the Anti-Drug Abuse Association of Lesotho (ADAAL) emphasized the urgent need for intervention.
While the association does not have a program specifically tailored for the festive season, it strongly advised parents to avoid sending children to purchase alcohol or frequent liquor stores. ADAAL stressed that parents should lead by example because children often mimic their behavior.
The association warned that alcohol and drugs severely harm young people’s futures and urged them to quit such habits. It also highlighted the environmental damage caused by drug abuse.
Peer pressure, the association noted, is a significant driver of youth substance abuse. They described crystal meth addiction as a “cancer within society” that requires urgent attention.
ADAAL also encouraged young people battling depression to seek counseling. Although its services are not free, the organization recommended institutions such as Mohlomi for support.
However, the lack of a dedicated rehabilitation center in Lesotho remains a major obstacle in addressing the issue effectively.
A concerned parent, Makananelo, shared her fears about the impact of drugs in Khubetsoana, describing the village as a breeding ground for gang activity. She lamented the lack of government intervention, stating that young people’s lives are in danger and that many are dropping out of school or developing mental health problems. She expressed hope that the government would take action before the situation worsens.
Efforts to combat drug abuse in Khubetsoana require urgent and coordinated action involving government agencies, community organizations, and families. Without intervention, the growing grip of addiction threatens to destroy the future of the village’s youth.
