Rwanda: Over 6,000, mostly youth, trapped in drug addiction

The National Rehabilitation Service (NRS) has revealed that the use of drugs and excessive alcohol consumption has severe consequences on the lives of users, the majority of whom are youth aged between 18 and 35. So far, around 6,215 people have become addicted to drugs, which has led some to be expelled from schools and workplaces.

This was disclosed during a press conference on June 16, 2025, in an event organized jointly by NRS, the Ministry of Health through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Rwanda National Police to launch a national campaign against drug abuse.

Fred Mufurukye, Director General of NRS, said that across the country’s four rehabilitation centres, there are about 6,215 people addicted to various drugs, in addition to 2,721 who are addicted to alcohol to the extent that they can no longer engage in any other activities.

Mufurukye also revealed that 521 students were expelled from school due to drunkenness, while 776 dropped out because of drug use. Additionally, 861 individuals lost their jobs due to drunkenness, and 846 were unable to work because of drug addiction.

Other statistics show that 243 couples separated because of drugs, while 159 households broke up due to excessive drinking.

From January until June 15, 2025, there were 2,073 drug-related cases involving 673 individuals arrested either for trafficking, possession, or consumption, according to Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga.

Speaking about the impact of drugs, ACP Rutikanga said not everyone who undergoes treatment fully recovers; some are left with injection scars, premature aging, loss of physical strength, depression, and difficulty reintegrating into society. He added that the cost of treating addiction puts a strain on both families and the country’s economy.

He said, “It weakens the nation’s strength because most users are youth. It’s important that we work together to address these effects so we can have a strong youth and nation.”

The drugs most commonly encountered by the police are cannabis, heroin, and cocaine, in addition to illicitly brewed alcoholic drinks.

Dr. Darius Gishoma, Division Manager for Mental Health at RBC, stated that 3,129 people sought medical help, mainly at major hospitals, due to the harmful effects of excessive alcohol and drug use.

 “The numbers may not seem huge, but because of how quickly drugs cause harm, it’s crucial to address the issue and provide assistance. Drugs affect every part of the body, from the brain to the liver, stomach, and heart. We assist those who come to us, but the main message is prevention”, he said.

“As part of prevention, the long-standing message is that alcohol is not for children. For adults, we urge moderation, and for breastfeeding mothers, we advise against drinking because alcohol passes through breast milk and harms the infant.”

On treatment, Prof. Gishoma emphasized that those starting to experience problems should seek or be helped to access facilities that provide support for reintegration.

Relapses among former rehabilitation centre residents

Mufurukye noted that analysis conducted by NRS and other agencies showed that 16% of those discharged from rehabilitation centres in 2023 relapsed into drug use or other harmful behaviours. Some faced legal action while others were readmitted to rehabilitation centres. Of those recently discharged, about 4% returned.

 “Overcoming addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other substances is not easy. Causes include reconnecting with former drinking or drug-using companions, stigma from the community, unemployment, and lack of continued counselling”, he noted.

Dynamo Ndacyayisenga, Director of Kigali Mental Health Referral Hospital, highlighted that people with drug addiction often have underlying emotional trauma, and failing to address these root causes may lead to relapse.

Dr. Patrick Rwagatare, Director of Huye Isange Rehabilitation Center, added that gambling also contributes to addiction, and some gamblers have now started seeking help at levels comparable to drug users.

High cost of treatment

The high cost of treatment is due to the fact that those with advanced addiction require hospitalisation, where meals form part of the therapy. Furthermore, patients often stay for long periods, typically from one to three months, according to Dr Rwagatare.

Hospitals such as King Faisal Hospital, CHUB, CHUK, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and others in various cities provide treatment for individuals struggling with addiction.