Efforts to combat drug and substance abuse are increasingly shifting focus to families, as experts warn that recovery begins at home.
In Mombasa, an anti-drug organisation Reachout Centre Trust, is running monthly Family Therapy sessions aimed at supporting parents whose children are struggling with drug addiction.
The sessions bring together professional counsellors and psychologists who guide families on how to handle addiction within the home environment, while also equipping them with practical tools for rehabilitation and emotional support.
According to Prevention and Addiction Counsellor Khamis Mwagalongo, the programme is designed to help parents take an active role in the recovery process by understanding addiction and responding appropriately to their children’s needs.
“These sessions are meant to bring families together so that they are guided on how to help their children through a dignified recovery process,” he said.
Mwagalongo stressed that parents play a critical role in early intervention, urging them to engage their children in continuous conversations about the dangers of drug use, rather than waiting until addiction escalates.
He noted that families are often given structured guidance on how to support rehabilitation and home-based care for recovering individuals, especially those experiencing mental health challenges or behavioural changes linked to substance dependence.
“Parents should not wait until things get out of hand. When a person is entangled in drugs, they should be brought for help early. We work with parents so that they can also contribute to the healing process,” he added.
He further observed that some parents struggle to accept early warning signs, often dismissing concerns raised by neighbours or the community, which delays intervention.
Defensive parents
“Imagine parents are the last to discover that their children are using drugs because they protect them too much or refuse to believe early signs,” he said.
Mwagalongo also warned against enabling behaviour, saying some parents unknowingly support addiction by providing money instead of seeking professional help, even when withdrawal symptoms surfaces.
He emphasized that such cases require immediate referral to rehabilitation services rather than informal home management.
The counsellor noted that the Family Therapy programme, now in its second year, has recorded positive impact, with at least 25 parents attending monthly sessions to share experiences and receive professional guidance.
Participants are encouraged to exchange experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive structured counselling aimed at improving communication and rebuilding family relationships affected by addiction.
Mwagalongo said transformation at the grassroots level takes time, but consistent family involvement has shown promising results in helping young people recover and reintegrate into society.
He further called for stronger collaboration between parents, schools, and professionals in addressing rising drug use among young people, noting that many children are influenced by peers and digital platforms.
“There is a lot of poor parenting that has contributed to drug abuse. Parents must take charge, guide their children, and protect them from harmful influence,” he said.
He also proposed greater involvement of prevention counsellors in schools as part of broader strategies to curb early exposure to drugs, including initiatives such as the Kijana Salama project implemented by the organisation to deter youth from doing drugs.
Mwagalongo concluded that drug addiction is a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to play a role in protecting children and strengthening families.
“Every person must take responsibility in protecting children from drug use,” he said.
