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    Healing Through Nature: Zimbabwe’s Holistic Approach to Addiction Recovery

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    By Thabisani Dube

    The scourge of drug abuse has cast a long shadow over Zimbabwe, a nation grappling with the devastating impact of substance use. In recent years, illicit drugs like marijuana, heroin, and crystal meth have surged in popularity, tearing apart the social fabric and trapping countless individuals in a vicious cycle of addiction.

    “Drug and substance abuse are a pandemic in Zimbabwe. We have noted with concern the rapid increase in drug-induced mental health cases,” said Debra Machado, World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe country coordinator in the psychiatric department.

    The WHO reports that about 57 percent of mental health cases stem from drug abuse.

    In 2021, President Emmerson Mnangagwa established an inter-ministerial committee to develop the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan 2020-2025 and the Treatment and Rehabilitation Guidelines for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder in Zimbabwe. However, the government has not made the progress and achievements under these plans public.

    Statistics paint a troubling picture. A 2019 WHO report indicates that Zimbabwe has the highest rate of heavy episodic drinking among 15 to 19-year-olds in Africa, with 70.7 percent of young men and 55 percent of young women engaging in this behaviour.

    In 2021, the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network revealed that 60 percent of psychiatric admissions resulted from drug abuse, affecting 80 percent of patients aged 16 to 25, including schoolgirls.

    Amid this concerning landscape, the International Wellness Centre has emerged as a beacon of hope. Located in the serene, rolling hills of the Goromonzi district in Mashonaland East Province, this pioneering institution offers a holistic approach to addiction treatment.

    Being in the hills and far away from the madding crowd, the centre offers a relaxing ambience that is close to nature, something that is missing from the hassle and bustle of the cities and towns. Established in 2015, the facility eschews traditional pharmaceutical methods in favour of natural, nature-centric therapies.

    “What makes our approach unique is our unwavering commitment to natural therapies and healing,” explains Mandla Machakaire, a medical lab scientist closely associated with the centre. “We don’t rely on psychotherapists or medication, except in cases of underlying mental illness. Instead, we focus on addressing the root causes of addiction.”

    The International Wellness Centre blends traditional psychotherapy with a variety of complementary modalities. “Our programme includes invigorating sauna sessions, the soothing aromas of herbal remedies, guided meditation amid the tranquil landscapes, and even equine-assisted therapy where clients can connect with the gentle, grounding presence of horses,” Machakaire says. “We aim to treat not just the addiction itself, but also the underlying mental health and emotional needs of our clients. Our goal is to empower them to rediscover their purpose in life.”

    By focusing on this multifaceted approach, the organisation equips clients with the tools and support necessary for lasting recovery.

    Machakaire emphasises that the road to recovery can be challenging. “Some clients may relapse, and we understand that healing is a lifelong process. We provide them with the skills and support they need to navigate these challenges.” The institution encourages regular communication with clients’ relatives and offers a flexible visitation policy.

    The centre’s philosophy hinges on the belief that true healing comes from within. By immersing clients in nature’s restorative power and providing essential support, the facility helps them rediscover their inner strength and resilience. Machakaire notes that they tailor their approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

    This personalised, comprehensive strategy has yielded good results, with the centre boasting an 85 percent success rate. Many clients achieve long-term sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose. Machakaire attributes this success to the centre’s focus on empowerment and fostering a supportive, family-oriented environment.

    One success story is that of Tendai Moyo, a Zimbabwean man who turned to the organisation after years of battling drug addiction. Moyo recalls hitting rock bottom when he first arrived.

    “I was completely lost and at the end of my rope. But the compassionate care and support I received, combined with the restorative power of the natural setting helped me rediscover my inner strength and sense of purpose.”

    Now home, Tendai lives a fulfilling life and shares his story to inspire others facing addiction. “This experience saved me. I’m forever grateful and committed to being a beacon of hope for those who find themselves where I once was.”

    The centre’s impact reaches beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Samantha Ndlovu, a former client from South Africa, describes how the centre transformed her life.

    “When I arrived, I was at the lowest point imaginable—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The loving community and the chance to immerse myself in nature allowed me to reconnect with my true self.”

    Now back in Johannesburg, Samantha shares the lessons she learned. “That place gave me the tools and support to rediscover my purpose. I feel reborn, and I’m passionate about encouraging others who are struggling to seek out this life-changing experience.”

    As the organisation grows and expands, its unique approach to addiction treatment continues to be a beacon of hope for the Goromonzi community and beyond. By embracing nature’s restorative power and the resilience of the human spirit, the pioneering institution is redefining the path to recovery and wellness.

    For those who are struggling with substance abuse, the facility offers a supportive community and a promise of a brighter future. Its trailblazing work serves as an inspiration to those grappling with the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse.

    New Ziana

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