Our Individual Member, Ashiku Ali – a high school teacher based in Kwale on the South Coast of Kenya, held a sensitisation campaign on alcohol abuse among teenagers and young people on May 27th 2025. The session was held at Lukore Youth Polytechnic, where he used education as an instrument to fight drug and substance abuse. He shed light on the four subtopics of alcohol abuse, including the meaning of alcohol, causes of alcohol abuse, effects of the latter, and how to avoid it.

Understanding Alcohol: Alcohol is defined as a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of sugars. It is the intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, spirits, and other drinks.

Causes of alcohol abuse among teenagers and youth: Participants of the workshops shared various factors that influence young people to abuse alcohol, including:

• Stressful life situations: lack of school fees, basic needs, or stable relationships
• Parental negligence and poor role models (e.g., family members who drink)
• Peer pressure and media influence
• Pressure to excel academically
• Family history of alcohol use and addiction

Effects of alcohol abuse: The discussion also revealed several serious consequences of alcohol abuse among youth:

• Academic decline due to poor concentration
• Health risks such as brain damage, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, and heart problems
• Damaged relationships with family, peers, and teachers
• Legal issues, including theft to sustain the habit
• Risk of HIV/AIDS due to impaired judgment and unsafe sexual behaviour
• School dropout, leading to depression and even suicide

Prevention and solutions: Finally, participants proposed practical solutions to curb alcohol abuse:

• Show compassion to those affected and offer guidance and counselling
• Refer severe cases for professional rehabilitation
• Restrict youth access to alcohol-selling points
• Organize parental workshops to promote responsible parenting
• Identify warning signs early
• Encourage positive peer influence and open communication

Conclusion: The campaign concluded with a strong message: alcohol abuse can destroy the lives of young people and must be actively prevented. The youth of Lukore committed to spreading awareness among their peers and becoming champions of a drug-free generation.