Zambian actor Owas Mwape bravely discusses his son's drug addiction in an effort to dismantle stigma surrounding substance abuse in a conservative society. His open plea on social media serves as a rallying cry for other parents facing similar challenges and highlights the growing drug crisis in the country. As he navigates this painful journey, Mwape emphasizes the need for awareness, understanding, and effective rehabilitation solutions.
Breaking the Silence: A Zambian Actor's Call for Help with Drug Addiction
Breaking the Silence: A Zambian Actor's Call for Help with Drug Addiction
Owas Mwape confronts a cultural taboo by candidly sharing his son's battle with addiction, urging dialogue on drug issues in Zambia.
Article Text:
Owas Mwape, a renowned actor and filmmaker in Zambia, has publicly confronted the stigma of drug addiction by speaking out about his son Mayamiko's struggles. This candid admission, shared via a heartfelt post on Facebook, aims to shed light on the pervasiveness of drug issues within the country and to encourage other families to break the silence surrounding such matters.
Mwape, aged 52 and a father to six children, believes that many parents choose to conceal the troubling realities of addiction, compounding the problems associated with it. He highlighted that the drug crisis is no longer something that can be ignored, especially in a society where the conservative values often prevent open discussions about difficult topics. "As long as you send your children to school, know that it could hit your household," he cautioned the public.
The actor detailed the turmoil his family has experienced over the past several years due to Mayamiko's addiction, which began when the young man was a teenager. Mwape noticed financial discrepancies, including missing funds from his bank account, which led him to discover that his son had been exploiting his trust. The situation escalated when Mayamiko ran away just before his final exams, triggering a series of painful realizations for Mwape.
Mayamiko's struggles have transformed him from a vibrant and intelligent young man into someone whose demeanor drastically alters when under the influence of drugs. Mwape described the emotional agony of witnessing his son’s decline, emphasizing the complexity of parenting in such trying circumstances. "It’s tough because every child is special," he reflected, expressing hope despite the bleak situation.
In a recent interview, Mwape recounted heartfelt exchanges with Mayamiko, revealing a paradox of hope and frustration. Although tensions exist, he is encouraged by their renewed connection. The lingering question remains: can Mayamiko commit to a drug-free life? Mwape disclosed that understanding the specifics of his son’s drug use has been challenging, further complicating the path toward recovery.
Motivated by his own experiences, Mwape is seeking advice on effective rehabilitation centers in Zambia, as the uprise in substance abuse remains a hush-hush affair. He is also advocating for changes through his films, which touch upon these societal issues, including the recently produced "Girls 2 Ladies," which addresses drug problems in educational settings.
The head of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, Nason Banda, confirmed that drug abuse in the country is escalating. His agency has observed a tripling of cases over the past decade, with cannabis and over-the-counter medications being among the most popular substances misused. Banda articulates that contributing factors include family breakdowns and social pressure.
In a bold move, Mwape hopes that by sharing his family's story, he can help dismantle the stigma surrounding drug addiction and inspire open dialogues among Zambians. He asserts that while the agony of having a child struggle with addiction is profound, his strategy and dedication to guiding Mayamiko toward recovery will ultimately lead to a better outcome.
Mwape concludes with a message of resilience, emphasizing that awareness and action can lead to positive change, not only for his family but for the wider community as well.
Owas Mwape, a renowned actor and filmmaker in Zambia, has publicly confronted the stigma of drug addiction by speaking out about his son Mayamiko's struggles. This candid admission, shared via a heartfelt post on Facebook, aims to shed light on the pervasiveness of drug issues within the country and to encourage other families to break the silence surrounding such matters.
Mwape, aged 52 and a father to six children, believes that many parents choose to conceal the troubling realities of addiction, compounding the problems associated with it. He highlighted that the drug crisis is no longer something that can be ignored, especially in a society where the conservative values often prevent open discussions about difficult topics. "As long as you send your children to school, know that it could hit your household," he cautioned the public.
The actor detailed the turmoil his family has experienced over the past several years due to Mayamiko's addiction, which began when the young man was a teenager. Mwape noticed financial discrepancies, including missing funds from his bank account, which led him to discover that his son had been exploiting his trust. The situation escalated when Mayamiko ran away just before his final exams, triggering a series of painful realizations for Mwape.
Mayamiko's struggles have transformed him from a vibrant and intelligent young man into someone whose demeanor drastically alters when under the influence of drugs. Mwape described the emotional agony of witnessing his son’s decline, emphasizing the complexity of parenting in such trying circumstances. "It’s tough because every child is special," he reflected, expressing hope despite the bleak situation.
In a recent interview, Mwape recounted heartfelt exchanges with Mayamiko, revealing a paradox of hope and frustration. Although tensions exist, he is encouraged by their renewed connection. The lingering question remains: can Mayamiko commit to a drug-free life? Mwape disclosed that understanding the specifics of his son’s drug use has been challenging, further complicating the path toward recovery.
Motivated by his own experiences, Mwape is seeking advice on effective rehabilitation centers in Zambia, as the uprise in substance abuse remains a hush-hush affair. He is also advocating for changes through his films, which touch upon these societal issues, including the recently produced "Girls 2 Ladies," which addresses drug problems in educational settings.
The head of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, Nason Banda, confirmed that drug abuse in the country is escalating. His agency has observed a tripling of cases over the past decade, with cannabis and over-the-counter medications being among the most popular substances misused. Banda articulates that contributing factors include family breakdowns and social pressure.
In a bold move, Mwape hopes that by sharing his family's story, he can help dismantle the stigma surrounding drug addiction and inspire open dialogues among Zambians. He asserts that while the agony of having a child struggle with addiction is profound, his strategy and dedication to guiding Mayamiko toward recovery will ultimately lead to a better outcome.
Mwape concludes with a message of resilience, emphasizing that awareness and action can lead to positive change, not only for his family but for the wider community as well.
