Substance Use & Recovery Resources in Kenya

Understanding Substance Use in Kenya

Substance use is a growing concern in Kenya. Whether it’s alcohol, miraa, bhang, or harder drugs, addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all backgrounds.

Important to know:

• Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing
• Recovery is possible with the right support
• You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to seek help
• Early intervention saves lives

Common Substances in Kenya

1. Alcohol

Most common substance used in Kenya.

Signs of alcohol problem:

• Drinking more than you intended
• Can’t stop once you start
• Neglecting responsibilities because of drinking
• Needing alcohol to feel normal
• Family or friends expressing concern
• Drinking alone or hiding it

Effects:

• Liver damage
• Relationship problems
• Financial difficulties
• Mental health issues (depression, anxiety)
• Risk of accidents and violence

2. Bhang (Marijuana)

Increasingly common, especially among youth.

Why people use it:

• “Everyone does it”
• To relax or have fun
• Peer pressure
• To cope with problems

Risks:

• Legal consequences (it’s illegal in Kenya)
• Mental health problems (especially anxiety and psychosis)
• Memory and concentration issues
• Loss of motivation
• Gateway to other drugs

3. Miraa/Khat

Widely used in certain communities.

Effects:

• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety and irritability
• Financial strain
• Social isolation
• Dental problems

4. Prescription Drug Misuse

Growing problem in Kenya.

Commonly misused:

• Painkillers
• Sleeping pills
• Anxiety medication
• Cough syrup (especially with codeine)

Dangers:

• Addiction
• Overdose
• Mixing with other drugs or alcohol
• Getting them illegally

5. Harder Drugs

Including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine.

Extremely dangerous:

• Highly addictive
• Life-threatening health risks
• Criminal consequences
• Destroys families and lives
• Requires immediate professional help

Signs Someone Has a Substance Problem

Behavioral Changes

• Secretive about activities
• New friend group (especially if they use)
• Neglecting work, school, or family
• Lying or stealing
• Loss of interest in hobbies

Physical Signs

• Changes in appearance or hygiene
• Bloodshot eyes
• Weight loss or gain
• Unusual smells
• Slurred speech or coordination problems

Emotional Changes

• Mood swings
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Depression or anxiety
• Paranoia
• Lack of motivation

Social Signs

• Relationship conflicts
• Isolation from family
• Financial problems
• Legal issues
• Missing work or school

Why People Use Substances

Understanding why helps with recovery:

To Cope with Pain

• Emotional pain (trauma, loss, abuse)
• Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Physical pain

To Fit In

• Peer pressure
• Social situations
• Cultural acceptance of alcohol

To Escape

• Stress from work or school
• Financial worries
• Relationship problems
• Hopelessness about the future

Self-Medication

• Undiagnosed mental health conditions
• Sleep problems
• Chronic pain

Important: Substances might seem to help at first, but they always make problems worse in the long run.

When to Seek Help

You Should Get Help If:

• You can’t stop using even though you want to
• Your use is causing problems (relationships, work, health)
• You need more to get the same effect (tolerance)
• You feel sick when you try to stop (withdrawal)
• You’re spending money you don’t have on substances
• You’ve tried to quit on your own and can’t

Don’t wait for things to get worse. Early help is easier than late help.

Emergency Situations

Get immediate help if:

• Someone has overdosed (unconscious, not breathing normally, can’t wake up)
• Someone is talking about suicide while under influence
• Severe withdrawal symptoms (shaking, seizures, hallucinations)
• Dangerous behavior (violence, driving while intoxicated)

Call: 999/112 (Emergency) or go to nearest hospital

Recovery Resources in Kenya

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Kenya

What it is: Free support group for people with alcohol problems. Based on 12-step program.

How it works:

• Regular meetings (usually weekly)
• Peer support from others in recovery
• Anonymous—you share only what you’re comfortable with
• No cost

Finding meetings:

• Search “AA meetings Kenya” online
• Check with churches (many host AA meetings)
• Call AA Kenya helpline: 0736 106 747
• Available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other towns

What to expect:

• Welcoming environment
• People sharing their experiences
• Support without judgment
• Coffee and conversation
• Tools for staying sober

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Kenya

Similar to AA, but for all drug use.

Find meetings:

• NA Kenya helpline: 0722 767 123
• Meetings in major cities
• Online meetings available

Rehabilitation Centers in Kenya

When you need intensive help.

Nairobi Rehabs

1. NACADA Rehabilitation Centres

• Government-run
• Most affordable option
• Located across Kenya
• Contact NACADA: 0800 720 721

2. Serenity Rehabilitation Centre

• Location: Nairobi
• Services: Inpatient and outpatient programs
• Holistic approach (counseling, group therapy, life skills)

3. The Retreat Rehabilitation Centre

• Location: Karen, Nairobi
• Services: Residential treatment
• Higher cost but comprehensive care

4. Oasis Africa

• Location: Westlands, Nairobi
• Services: Counseling, support groups, family therapy
• Affordable options available

5. Rebirth Rehabilitation Centre

• Location: Ruiru
• Services: Christian-based recovery program
• Affordable rates

Mombasa Rehabs

1. NACADA Coast Region Centre

• Government facility
• Affordable

2. Omari Project

• Focus: Drug addiction, especially among youth
• Services: Counseling, outreach, support groups

Kisumu and Western Kenya

1. NACADA Western Region Centre

• Government support

2. Local NGOs

• Kenya Red Cross
• Community-based organizations

Types of Treatment Programs

Inpatient (Residential) Rehab

You stay at the facility for 28-90 days.

Good for:

• Severe addiction
• Multiple relapses
• Unsafe home environment
• Need for medical detox

What happens:

• 24/7 supervision and support
• Daily therapy sessions
• Group therapy
• Life skills training
• Medical care
• Structured routine

Cost: KES 50,000 - 500,000+ depending on facility

Outpatient Programs

You attend therapy sessions but live at home.

Good for:

• Less severe addiction
• Strong support system at home
• Can’t leave work/family
• After completing inpatient treatment

What happens:

• Weekly or daily sessions
• Group therapy
• Individual counseling
• Can continue work/school

Cost: KES 5,000 - 30,000 per month

Detox Programs

Medical help to safely stop using.

Important for:

• Alcohol (withdrawal can be dangerous)
• Opioids (heroin, painkillers)
• Benzodiazepines (sleeping pills, anxiety meds)

What happens:

• Medical supervision
• Medications to ease withdrawal
• Usually 3-7 days
• Followed by ongoing treatment

Where: Hospitals and specialized detox centers

Free or Low-Cost Options

1. NACADA Services

• Government-funded
• Counseling, rehab, outreach
• Call: 0800 720 721 or visit nacada.go.ke

2. County Hospitals

• Most have addiction services
• Very affordable
• Ask for “substance abuse department”

3. Faith-Based Programs

• Many churches offer recovery support
• Teen Challenge Kenya (Christian program)
• Free or donation-based

4. Support Groups

• AA and NA are always free
• Recovery groups at community centers
• Online support groups

Family Support

Al-Anon Kenya

• For family members affected by someone’s drinking
• Learn how to cope and support recovery
• Find meetings through AA Kenya

Nar-Anon

• For families affected by drug use
• Support and education

The Recovery Journey

Stage 1: Acknowledging the Problem

• Admitting you need help
• Understanding addiction is a disease
• Deciding to make a change

This is the hardest and bravest step.

Stage 2: Seeking Help

• Calling a helpline
• Going to a meeting
• Checking into rehab
• Talking to a counselor

Stage 3: Detox and Withdrawal

• Body adjusts to no substances
• Can be physically and emotionally difficult
• Medical support helps
• Usually lasts days to weeks

Stage 4: Early Recovery (First 3-6 months)

• Learning new coping skills
• Attending therapy and support groups
• Rebuilding relationships
• Making lifestyle changes
• High risk of relapse—need strong support

Stage 5: Maintaining Recovery (Ongoing)

• Continued support (meetings, therapy)
• Healthy habits and routines
• Meaningful activities and relationships
• Managing triggers
• Helping others in recovery

Recovery is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Relapse: It Happens

Understanding Relapse

• Relapse doesn’t mean failure
• Most people relapse before achieving long-term recovery
• It’s a learning opportunity
• Get back to treatment immediately

Warning Signs of Relapse

• Stopping meetings or therapy
• Hanging around old using friends
• Telling yourself “one time won’t hurt”
• Increased stress without coping
• Isolation
• Romanticizing past use

If You Relapse

1. Don’t give up
2. Reach out for help immediately
3. Go back to meetings or rehab
4. Learn what triggered it
5. Adjust your recovery plan

Supporting Someone in Recovery

What to Do

• Encourage them to get help
• Go with them to appointments if they want
• Learn about addiction
• Be patient—recovery takes time
• Celebrate milestones (30 days sober, etc.)
• Take care of your own mental health

What NOT to Do

• Enable their use (give money, make excuses)
• Blame or shame them
• Try to control their recovery
• Ignore the problem hoping it goes away
• Neglect other family members

Setting Boundaries

• No substances in the house
• No lending money
• They must attend treatment
• Consequences for breaking rules

You can support without enabling.

Prevention: Before It Starts

For Young People

• Say no to peer pressure
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress
• Talk to trusted adults
• Stay busy with positive activities
• Choose friends who don’t use

For Parents

• Talk openly about drugs and alcohol
• Know your children’s friends
• Be a good role model
• Watch for warning signs
• Build strong family connections

For Communities

• Youth programs and activities
• Awareness campaigns
• Support for at-risk individuals
• Reducing stigma around addiction

Legal Aspects in Kenya

What’s Illegal

• Bhang/marijuana (possession and use)
• Cocaine, heroin, and other hard drugs
• Miraa (in some counties)
• Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs
• Selling drugs

Legal Consequences

• Arrest and prosecution
• Fines
• Imprisonment
• Criminal record (affects future employment)

Treatment is better than jail. Courts often support treatment for first-time offenders.

Hope and Recovery

Recovery IS Possible

Thousands of Kenyans are in recovery. They have jobs, families, and fulfilling lives. You can too.

What Recovery Brings

• Better health
• Repaired relationships
• Financial stability
• Self-respect
• Peace of mind
• Hope for the future

You Are Not Your Addiction

• You are more than your substance use
• You have value
• You deserve a better life
• Help is available
• People care about you

Take Action Today

If You Need Help

1. Call NACADA: 0800 720 721
2. Find an AA/NA meeting: AA Kenya 0736 106 747
3. Go to your county hospital
4. Talk to someone you trust
5. Call Befrienders Kenya (crisis support): 0722 178 177

If You’re in Recovery

• Keep going to meetings
• Stay connected to support
• Practice self-care
• Help others when ready
• Be proud of your progress

If Someone You Love Needs Help

• Express concern without judgment
• Offer to help them find resources
• Take care of yourself too
• Join Al-Anon or Nar-Anon
• Don’t lose hope

Final Message

Addiction is powerful, but recovery is possible. You don’t have to do this alone. Help is available, and you deserve it.

Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone you love, take the first step today. Call a helpline. Go to a meeting. Talk to a counselor.

Your life matters. Recovery is worth it. You are worth it.