CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN HOMES IS UNSAFE FOR ALL PERSONS ESPECIALLY CHILDREN

NACADA’s attention has been drawn to a national debate on the alleged notice by the Ministry of Health imposing more restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The notice which has been widely circulated through social media proposes that alcohol should not be sold to sit-in customers at restaurants, eateries, bars, food courts, entertainment joints, supermarkets, wines & spirits or any other business establishments. It is our hope that these restrictions do not leave the home as the main alternative to those wishing to indulge in drinking.

NACADA wishes to caution members of the public of a growing trend of alcohol consumption from home which is exposing children and young people to underage drinking. Drinking at home also undermines the protective home environment for the pupils and students who are staying at home because of the containment measures imposed by Government to check the spread of COVID 19. We advise parents to take advantage of the situation to create an alcohol-free home environment as well as build closer relationships with their children.

The surveys carried out by NACADA on the prevalence of drug abuse in Secondary Schools in 2017 and Primary Schools in 2019 clearly shows that the home environments have increasingly become a risk factor as many of the respondents indicated that they were initiated into alcohol and drug use at home.

While we fully support the measures taken by Government in containing the Corona virus pandemic, we are strongly opposed to the consumption of alcohol and drugs through organized groups drinking bouts in homes in the presence of children. We appeal to members of the public to report such cases to NACADA through our toll-free line No. 1192 (Monday to Friday during working hours) or to any National Government Administration Officers.

Parents and caregivers have a primary responsibility to be vigilant and protect children from access and exposure to alcoholic drinks and other substances of abuse. For those who may have challenges with addiction, kindly call the NACADA toll-free line for assistance on treatment options available and how they can manage the problem.

Let’s all play our part in keeping safe.

Prof. Mabel Imbuga, EBS
Chairperson, NACADA
24 TH JULY 2020