Across Kenya, more and more individuals are increasingly finding themselves struggling with addiction. From alcohol and drugs to gambling and prescription medication, addiction is taking its toll on households in cities, towns, and rural communities up and down Kenya.
Due to this, many families up and down Kenya feel unsure about how to respond when someone they love is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
In Kenyan society, family is everything. Family is where values are shaped, problems are solved and love is shared. That is why a supportive family can have a huge impact on whether or not someone recovers from a drug or alcohol addiction in Kenya.
This article offers practical advice on how to support a loved one through addiction. This advice is grounded in local culture, social realities, and everyday experiences of families across Kenya.
It is important to understand that addiction is not a moral failure or a lack of discipline. It is a complex condition that affects the brain, behaviour, and relationships. With understanding, patience and the right support, recovery is possible for those up and down Kenya.
Understanding Addiction in Kenya
Addiction is a chronic disease, which is led by compulsive behaviour despite the well-known harmful consequences. In Kenya, addiction often shows up in familiar forms such as alcohol dependence, miraa misuse, prescription drug abuse and increasingly addiction linked to online betting, gambling and gaming. Likewise, porn addiction is also on the rise in many countries such as Kenya.
One of the biggest challenges Kenyan family’s face is the stigma that surrounds addiction, whether that is addiction to drugs, alcohol, porn or gambling. Many people, communities and families up and down the country still see addiction as something to be ashamed of or even the sign of a poor upbringing.
Still till this day, others believe addiction is a curse, a spiritual issue, or something that can be resolved through punishment or prayer alone. While faith and discipline have their place, addiction usually requires structured treatment, professional guidance and ongoing support for many months or even years.
There are many myths that surround addiction that can delay detox and rehab, making the situation worse for both the sufferer and to those around them, such as family and friends.
A common misconception is that someone must ‘hit rock bottom’ before change can happen. In reality, early intervention improves outcomes and reduces harm to the individual and their family.
Another long held belief in countries such as Kenya is that effective alcohol rehab is only for the wealthy or for those with a very serious addiction. However, in fact, many treatment options in Kenya cater to different budgets and needs.
Understanding addiction as a health issue, rather than a moral failing, allows families to shift the narrative and their reaction from blame to support, which will inevitably help those suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Recognising the Signs of Addiction
Spotting addiction early can be difficult, especially when behaviours are hidden or often excused or dismissed as stress, anxiety or even peer pressure. However, there are a number of different signs and symptoms Kenyan families can watch out for which might indicate that someone they love is suffering from drugs or alcohol.
There are a number of behavioural signs and symptoms that might suggest that someone is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
This may include suddenly becoming very secretive, lying to family and friends, withdrawing from family activities, sudden changes in friendship groups, dishonesty about money, or frequent unexplained absences from either work or from school. Someone struggling with addiction may become very defensive, argumentative, aggressive, or unusually quiet.
There are also a number of emotional signs that might suggest that your loved one is struggling from addiction to either drugs or alcohol. These emotional signs can include things such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness or loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, such as certain hobbies and interests.
In some cases, your loved one will also start to feel shame and guilt which might then lead to isolation, which families in Kenya in particular may misinterpret as disrespect, as family is a huge part of their culture.
It is important to also look out for physical indicators when it comes to looking for signs of drug or alcohol addiction. Physical indicators might involve changes in sleep patterns, weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, bloodshot eyes or a lowered immune system, which often shows by frequently getting ill or getting flu-like symptoms.
In households where elders play a central role, which is very common in Kenya, younger family members may hide their addiction out of fear of upsetting their elders, making these physical signs even more important to notice.
The Impact that Addiction Has on Kenyan Families
Addiction doesn’t just impact the individual suffering from the addiction, as it impacts the whole family, friends and even the wider community. In Kenya’s close-knit family structures, the impact of addiction spreads quickly.
Addiction often puts a huge financial strain on families in Kenya. Financial strain is often one of the first signs of a drug or alcohol addiction.
One of the key signs to look out for is money going missing, debts piling up or essential needs being neglected to fund addictive behaviour. If your loved one starts to ask for money when they shouldn’t need it, then it might be a sign that they are suffering from a form of addiction including drug addiction, alcohol addiction or even a gambling addiction.
Likewise, drug and alcohol addiction has a huge impact on relationships and trust. Parents of those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction may feel they have failed, whereas spouses may feel betrayed, and siblings may feel overlooked. In multigenerational homes which are very common in Kenya, tension can grow between elders and younger members, especially when traditional expectations clash with modern challenges such as social media pressures and addiction.
If you are a parent suffering from an addiction, then it is likely that your children will suffer. Children in families affected by addiction may take on adult responsibilities too early or struggle emotionally at school. Extended family members may step in to help, but this can also lead to gossip, judgement and increased pressure.
As you can see, addiction has a huge impact on family, friends and the wider community. This is why it is important to seek help early, so that the impact of addiction can be restricted as much as possible.
How to Offer Support as a Family Member
Supporting a loved one through addiction starts with good communication. If you want to open up a conversation with a loved one about addiction, then you should choose a calm moment to talk in a quiet space and avoid making any accusations or threats.
Listening is also a lot more powerful than lecturing at this stage, so you should try your best to ask open-ended questions and listen as much as possible. You should also allow your loved one to speak openly about their struggles, even if what you hear is difficult.
You should also try where possible to have empathy with your loved one. People are often wanting to avoid showing empathy as they are worried or concerned that this means that they are approving harmful behaviour.
However, showing empathy is not approving harmful behaviour, but instead it is showing your loved one that you understand their issues and situation. Showing empathy with someone suffering from an addiction means that you are recognising the person behind the addiction. You should avoid labels that reduce them to their problem.
In households up and down Kenyan, involving elders can be helpful if it is done well and thoughtfully. Elders often carry authority and wisdom, but they should be briefed to approach the situation with understanding, rather than punishment.
Seeking Help and Resources in Kenya
One of the most important steps families and those suffering from addiction can take is seeking professional help. Detox and rehab services in Kenya have expanded in recent years, offering medical, psychological and even now social support.
Hospitals up and down Kenya can now provide basic addiction treatment, while private rehab centres offer structured programmes that may include counselling, group therapy and even aftercare planning. Some facilities specialise in alcohol addiction, whereas others in drugs or behavioural addiction.
There are also a number of faith-based organisations and community groups that also play a significant role when it comes to addiction to drugs or alcohol and recovery. Many churches and mosques offer counselling, support groups and referrals to rehab services. While spiritual guidance can strengthen recovery, it works best alongside professional treatment and should not be used as a full substitute.
There are also a number of support groups across major towns and cities, both formal and informal, which give families and individuals a chance to share experiences and learn from others. Knowing you are not alone can ease fear and stigma and help to encourage you to seek professional support and help.
Overcoming Barriers to Recovery in Kenya
Whilst things across the country are improving when it comes to addiction recovery, the stigma that surrounds addiction remains one of the biggest obstacles to addiction recovery in Kenya. Fear of judgement from neighbours, relatives or even colleagues often prevent families and individuals from seeking detox, rehab or even just simply support and advice when they desperately need to.
One way to overcome this barrier is reframing addiction as a health issue and disease, rather than a moral failing. Families up and down Kenya can choose who to inform and how much to share when it comes to addiction recovery.
Cost is another barrier when it comes to addiction recovery in Kenya. While some rehab programmes can be expensive, there are affordable options and payment plans available across Kenya. Public services, community initiatives, and non-profit organisations may also provide financial help when it comes to addiction recovery in Kenya.
Looking After Yourself Whilst Supporting a Loved One
Supporting someone you love through an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be exhausting. Kenyan families often put their own needs aside when in a crisis, focusing entirely on the person suffering. This can lead to burnout, and even sometimes resentment and emotional strain. This is why it is important to look after yourself whilst supporting someone with an addiction issue.
Whilst supporting someone through an addiction, it is important to remember to take breaks, talk to trusted friends or simply ensure that you are prioritising your own mental health by journaling or seeking therapy. Whilst supporting someone through an addiction issue, it is important that you continue to maintain routines, keep up with any hobbies and maintain social connections to help you to keep balance in your life.
The Role of Culture and Tradition When it Comes to Addiction
Kenyan culture offers powerful tools for addiction recovery. For example, the emphasis on community, shared responsibility and respect for elders can strengthen your recovery. Extended families can provide practical help and emotional encouragement during rehab and aftercare.
Likewise, storytelling, music, and cultural gatherings are also a huge part of Kenyan culture and society. This can also support emotional expression and reconnection.
Conclusion
Supporting a loved one through addiction is one of the most challenging journeys a family can face. In Kenya, where family is a huge part of culture, family can play a huge part in whether or not someone is able to recover from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. While addiction can strain relationships, finances, and emotions, it does not have to take over the entire family.
With understanding and professional help, recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction is achievable. The path to recovery is long and does not happen overnight. However, Kenyan families can help their loved ones fully recover, move on with their lives and even strengthen their own bonds in the process.