Liberia's Drug Crisis: Families Bankrupt as Unregulated Rehab Centers Fail Addicts
Across Liberia, families are facing a devastating reality: a rapidly escalating drug crisis that is pushing them to financial ruin as they desperately seek help for their loved ones in a system riddled with unregulated and often abusive rehabilitation centers. Despite government promises and pledges of funding, the lack of accredited government facilities leaves vulnerable families at the mercy of these questionable establishments, where success is rare and exploitation is common.
The Cycle of Despair: A Mother's Story
One Liberian mother, identified as R., knows this struggle all too well. After witnessing her son's apparent recovery following a five-month stint at a rehabilitation center in 2022, she believed her years of anguish were finally over. Over the preceding four years, she had poured over $270 – a significant sum for her – into three different centers, each promising a solution to her son's addiction. Finally, the Fellowship of the Cross seemed to have worked.
"He was just fine. Very, very perfect, and I was happy about it," she recalls. As a single mother who lost her husband during the civil war, this moment felt like a new beginning. However, her joy was fleeting. Within weeks, her son relapsed, plunging her back into despair. "I feel very bad. I'm frustrated," she laments, struggling to contain her emotions. "You know what it means to suffer on a child from day one? Nobody to help, and then he's in the street."
The Science of Addiction: A Chronic Illness
Experts emphasize that drug addiction is not simply a matter of willpower; it is a complex disease that fundamentally alters the brain's structure and function. Repeated drug use hijacks the brain's reward system, flooding it with dopamine and creating an overwhelming craving. Over time, the brain's natural ability to produce these chemicals diminishes, leaving the individual unable to feel normal without the drug.
This vicious cycle drives individuals deeper into dependence, where they no longer seek pleasure but instead use drugs to avoid the agonizing symptoms of withdrawal. The consequences extend far beyond the brain, weakening vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, and immune system, increasing vulnerability to strokes, infections, and premature death. Overcoming addiction requires comprehensive treatment, unwavering support, and genuine compassion.
The Failure of Unregulated Centers: A Dangerous Gamble
Even in well-equipped facilities in countries like the United States, relapse rates after initial treatment can be as high as 60%. However, a Harvard Medical School study indicates that 75% of addicts eventually achieve recovery, often after multiple attempts. In Liberia, where a 2022 United Nations report estimated that one in five young people under 35 are abusing drugs, including the synthetic drug "kush," opioids, and cocaine, the situation is dire.
Despite the Boakai administration declaring the crisis a public health emergency and allocating over $3.5 million to address it, the country still lacks a single accredited government-run rehabilitation clinic. This void has been filled by a network of untrained and often exploitative centers, some even operated by former warlords.
James Koryor, executive director of Global Action for Sustainable Development, warns that "In Liberia, with untrained people running these places, the chances of recovery are almost zero." Medical professionals echo this concern, emphasizing the potential dangers of these facilities and calling for their closure.
Dr. Benjamin Harris, a psychiatrist at John F. Kennedy Medical Center and professor at the University of Liberia, stresses the need for qualified professionals. "Ensure these facilities do not operate and do not accept clients because they have not met the requisite requirements," he urges. Without trained psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, he argues, these facilities have little chance of success. "Without standardized practices, rehabilitation becomes a risk, not a solution."
Trapped in a Cycle of Theft and Desperation
R.'s experience underscores the devastating impact of addiction on families. Her son's descent into drug use began at age 19, influenced by his peers. Over the years, he has stolen everything from her to fuel his addiction. R. often found herself caught between fear and desperation as her son spiraled out of control. She desperately protected him from Monrovia Central Prison, a place she described as filled with "bad, bad things" that only destroy young men. "I had to scream, to do anything just to find the money and pay them."
Another mother, B., shared a similar story, recounting how her son's drug use began at 16 after joining a dance group. In the past three years, she has spent $2,000 at two rehab centers, including one run by the notorious former warlord "General Butt Naked." Despite her efforts, her son continued to find drugs within the facility, leaving her heartbroken.
Government Response and Ongoing Challenges
Following public outcry and vigilante attacks on drug dealers, the government has taken steps to address the crisis, including establishing a pilot project in partnership with the Mother of Light center. Dr. Moses Ziah, director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, announced plans to convert a government-owned compound into a rehabilitation center. He also stated that the government is working to accredit additional facilities and has trained approximately 200 people in addiction science.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the unregulated nature of many centers. Reports have uncovered disturbing practices, including instances of patients being locked behind chained doors during withdrawal. Some centers charge exorbitant fees with questionable success rates.
Social workers report instances of abuse within unqualified facilities, with patients sometimes being beaten during cravings. "When patients come out, they are still the same," said Spencer C. Moore, a social worker at JFK's ES Grant Mental Hospital.
One mother, H., described the horrific conditions at a religious center where her son was treated, with nearly 100 patients sharing a single bathroom. Despite a brief period of hope, her son relapsed and became violent, leading to further devastation for her and her community.
Beyond Rehabilitation: Addressing Drug Trafficking
Experts emphasize that effective rehabilitation is only one piece of the puzzle. Addressing drug trafficking is crucial to preventing further addiction. While the government has increased drug enforcement efforts, experts warn that the previous administration's failure to take a strong stance has allowed dealers to gain a foothold, making the fight against drug trafficking an uphill battle.
Dr. Harris warns that "As long as illicit substances continue flooding the country, you will have individuals experimenting and becoming addicted."
For families on the front lines of this crisis, the nights are long, their savings are depleted, and their hope is dwindling. "There are a lot of parents out there crying like me," says H., echoing the sentiments of countless others struggling to cope with the devastating consequences of Liberia's drug crisis.
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