“As addiction to drugs, alcohol, and sex undermines public health, it has a detrimental impact on overall health and well-being. Let us always keep in mind that we are contributing to good health by fighting addiction and promoting well-being through purpose development; leading to self-sufficiency and socio-economic transformation.” — Purpose Rwanda.
Purpose Rwanda is deeply committed to addressing drug, alcohol, and sex addictions, recognizing the profound connection between overcoming these challenges and contributing to national transformation through the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), alongside Goals 1 and 2. By tackling these forms of addiction, we can foster healthier populations, enhance mental well-being, and promote social equity. We have witnessed first-hand that addressing these issues not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families and communities. Purpose Rwanda’s mission aligns with national efforts to combat delinquent behaviors and promote a healthy population, which is essential for socio-economic development.
Fighting drug, alcohol, and sex addictions is deeply interconnected with the framework of Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here’s how this resonates with national transformation:
- Improving Public Health Outcomes: Addressing addiction has a direct positive impact on public health. Effective treatment and prevention strategies reduce morbidity and mortality associated with substance abuse, leading to healthier communities. This improvement can lower healthcare costs and boost productivity. Purpose Rwanda implements prevention strategies in schools and communities through conferences, as well as via TV and radio broadcasts, (currently not going on) aiming to raise awareness about the causes and dangers of addiction. The feedback we receive from individuals who have participated in our group or individual counseling and spiritual services serves as a powerful motivator, demonstrating that anyone willing to pursue rehabilitation can achieve total recovery and effectively combat triggers and relapses.
Individual Counseling service - Enhancing Mental Health: Many individuals struggling with addiction also face mental health challenges. Research indicates that mental health issues and addictions often intertwine; one can lead to the other. For example, heavy drinking can impair critical thinking and judgment, exacerbating mental health problems. By integrating addiction treatment into mental health services, we promote holistic well-being, emphasizing that mental health is a vital component of overall health, which aligns with comprehensive healthcare goals. Many mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, may drive individuals to believe that substances can alleviate their conditions. In reality, these behaviors often worsen their mental health. At Purpose Rwanda, we address both addictions and mental health, reinforcing the principle that good health cannot exist without mental well-being.
- Reducing Inequalities: Addiction disproportionately affects individuals from low-income backgrounds who lack access to effective rehabilitation. Instead, they may allocate their limited resources to buy alcohol or drugs or engage in sex commercialization. Prioritizing addiction treatment allows us to work toward reducing health inequalities. Access to effective counseling and rehabilitation services is crucial for empowering all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status. Over the years, Purpose Rwanda has consistently provided both group and individual counseling for those in need, tailoring our spiritual services to empower individuals struggling with addiction through encouraging messages rooted in faith. Our monthly statistics reflect numerous recoveries attributed to our careful integration of scientific and spiritual counseling, making free counseling services a vital resource for individuals with low incomes.
- Strengthening Families and Communities: Recovery leads to happiness, joy, and well-being for individuals. The benefits of overcoming addiction extend beyond individuals to strengthen families and communities. Healthy individuals create stable and supportive environments, fostering social cohesion and community resilience essential components for national development. When families are healthy, communities thrive. Individuals in good health are better positioned to utilize their productive capacities to generate investments that benefit their communities. An empowered community, supported by capable individuals, contributes to economic growth, ultimately leading to income accumulation, savings, investment, and higher productivity; all of which drive national transformation. Furthermore, recovery reduces instances of crime, divorce, and violence associated with addiction-related issues, promoting peace and order.
- Fostering Productive Citizenship: Empowering individuals to overcome addiction enables families and communities to harness their potential for significant economic and social contributions. Many individuals struggling with addiction may be students or employees across various sectors. Regardless of their social status, supporting them in reshaping their mindsets and redirecting their focus toward productive activities creates opportunities for them to become valuable citizens. Individuals in recovery are more likely to engage in meaningful activities, support their families, and actively participate in community development, contributing to national transformation.
6. Supporting Policy Development: Addressing addiction highlights the need for effective policies and programs that promote health and well-being. Purpose Rwanda’s interventions aim to influence policies that reduce substance abuse and other forms of addiction. This can be achieved by developing evidence-based interventions and regulations that create environments conducive to healthier lifestyles, aligning with sustainable development objectives. Purpose Rwanda’s efforts can prepare individuals for a better socio-economic and political future.
- Advocating for Awareness and Education: Purpose Rwanda’s awareness initiatives target schools and universities through conferences, as well as reach out to the community via mainstream media and social media. These efforts aim to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors. This educational campaign fosters a culture of health and prevention, resonating with the goals of SDG 3. A healthy population is less susceptible to the impacts of addiction when individuals lead lives free from it. By leveraging mainstream and social media, we empower people to understand that addiction is a sickness that can affect anyone, carrying severe consequences but is also preventable. When more individuals recognize addiction as a serious illness—a “monster” that can invade lives—they become more conscious of the need to value their health and well-being.
School outreach at G.S.Ste.Bernadette - Encouraging Research and Innovation: Combating addictions drives essential research into better treatment methods, prevention strategies, and an understanding of the socio-economic impacts of addiction. This innovation is crucial for developing effective health interventions and enhancing national health systems. Purpose Rwanda conducted research in January 2021, sampling 110 respondents from 55 households and 55 individuals. The findings revealed that 7 out of 10 families in Kigali had one or two family members struggling with either drugs, substances like alcohol, or behavioral addictions such as sex. Purpose Rwanda recognizes that for our society to thrive in all sectors of life, we must be free of addictions. This understanding motivates our mission to contribute to building a purposeful and addiction-free generation.
The research further highlighted various effects of these addictions, including an increase in mental health crises, school dropouts, early and unwanted pregnancies, higher crime rates (such as theft, assaults, rape, and even homicide), a growing number of delinquents, poverty or underdevelopment, diseases, disorders, and even death. These findings, alongside studies conducted by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, the University of Rwanda, and others, deepen our understanding of the socio-economic impact of addiction and the strategies required to combat drug, alcohol, and sex addictions.
In summary, fighting against drug, alcohol, and sex addictions aligns with the objectives of SDG Goal 3 by promoting holistic health, reducing inequalities, strengthening communities, and fostering national transformation. By investing in strategies to combat these addictions, our nation can achieve better health outcomes, enhance well-being, and pave the way for sustainable development.
Together, we can build a Purposeful and Addiction-Free Generation.
