Abstain from all forms of substance abuse

Lazarus Sauti

Substance abuse, the harmful use of psychoactive substances like alcohol and illicit drugs, continues to be on the increase among youths in Zimbabwe.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) – a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international public health – estimates that millions of people, especially the youth in Zimbabwe and other countries are abusing alcohol and illicit drugs.

“Substance abuse, especially alcohol consumption,” adds the international public health agency, “is one of the top three major health problems worldwide.”

Furthermore, the World Health Organisation asserts that costs of substance abuse take in the direct cost of healthcare delivery treating the consequences of use, the wide-ranging damage to families of users, as well as the impact on socio-economic transformation.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church concedes that alcohol and substance abuse are not only rampant in today’s world, but also major health issues, particularly in areas of health and wellbeing.

Although the media is promoting the so-called health benefits of alcohol, for instance, the Adventist Church maintains a determined position on abstinence as it urges individuals to lend a hand in stamping out the worldwide drug scourge that weakens social structure of nations.

Seventh-day Adventists, importantly, believe the Bible teaches that each human body is a “temple of the living God,” which should be cared for intelligently (2 Cor. 6:15-17).

More so, the Church’s Bible-based Fundamental Belief No. 2 declares: “Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible.

“...Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco and the irresponsible use of drugs as well as narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them.

“...Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy and goodness.”


To flee from alcohol and drug abuse, everyone should simply follow a lifestyle that avoids tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, over and above the misuse of drugs. Period!

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