Zambian actor Owas Mwape reveals his son's battle with addiction

In Zambia, Owas Mwape, a 52-year-old renowned actor and filmmaker, has publicly shared the painful experience of his son's drug addiction, a topic often shrouded in stigma within the socially conservative society. Through a heartfelt post on Facebook, Mwape sought advice on rehabilitation options, aiming to foster openness about drug-related issues and provide support to other parents facing similar hardships. His son, Mayamiko, has been battling addiction for four to five years, engaging in theft to fund his habit, resulting in significant strain on the family. The crisis intensified when Mayamiko ran away from home shortly before his final-year school exams, further compounding the family's distress. Mwape's courage stems from a desire to dismantle the taboo surrounding addiction, asserting that it is a prevalent issue that deserves attention and understanding. He has expressed the importance of forgiving children to facilitate their recovery, underscoring the complex nature of addressing substance abuse. Despite his son's assurances that he wants to change, Mwape struggles with uncertainties about the specifics of Mayamiko's addiction and the effectiveness of available rehabilitation options. Zambia currently lacks publicly funded rehab centers, leading many families, including Mwape's, to seek private solutions or even send children abroad. The alarming rise in drug abuse cases reported by Mwape's organization highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems and governmental intervention. The actor’s advocacy aims not only to save his son but also to raise awareness about the broader societal implications of drug addiction in Zambia, emphasizing preventive measures and successful rehabilitation stories that can inspire hope in others. Amid the rising number of drug abuse incidents, Mwape remains committed to fighting the stigma associated with addiction. His journey reveals a call for change, encouraging dialogues about substance abuse and ensuring a heightened awareness and understanding of its impact on families. He has urged parents, in particular, to vigilantly assess the environments they place their children in and consider the long-term consequences of drug addiction.