**Mwape urges parents to confront addiction openly, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support in Zambia.**
**Zambian Actor Owas Mwape's Brave Confession: Battling Son's Drug Addiction**
**Zambian Actor Owas Mwape's Brave Confession: Battling Son's Drug Addiction**
**A public figure breaks tradition as he shares his struggle with his son's substance abuse.**
Owas Mwape, a beloved Zambian actor and filmmaker, has shattered societal norms by publicly addressing his son's drug addiction on social media. The 52-year-old, known for his significant contributions to Zambian cinema, took to Facebook to seek advice, aiming to raise awareness about addiction in a culture where such discussions are often silenced.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Mwape revealed the emotional turmoil he has faced as a parent. With five sons and a daughter, he understands the challenges parents face when their children fall into substance abuse. "Most parents hide these issues; they're ashamed," he said, emphasizing the need to confront the reality of drug problems that exist in every household in Zambia.
His son, Mayamiko, now 23, began exhibiting troubling behavior during his teenage years, including stealing money from his father's account to fund his addiction. The situation escalated, culminating in Mayamiko's decision to run away from home just before his final exams. Mwape described his son's drastic change in personality, noting, "It’s tough because every child is special, and Maya is one of them because he is intelligent."
Though Mayamiko is now sporadically in touch, communication remains fraught and uncertain, complicating efforts for intervention. Nevertheless, Mwape feels hopeful as they begin to discuss treatment options together. During their conversation, Mayamiko expressed a desire for help, raising hopes that recovery might be within reach.
The actor's campaign for assistance reflects a broader challenge in Zambia, where adequate rehabilitation facilities are scarce and addiction is stigmatized. Mwape’s social media outreach garnered unexpected responses from other parents facing similar struggles, revealing a hidden epidemic affecting families across the nation.
Government officials are also recognizing the need for change. Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission has reported a significant rise in drug-related issues, with various substances, including cannabis and heroin, being prevalent in communities. The driving forces behind this crisis, according to the commission's head, Nason Banda, include broken family structures and the normalization of drug culture. Banda advocates for more help and resources to combat addiction rather than punitive measures.
In addition, Mwape's experiences have shaped his recent film projects, including "Girls 2 Ladies," which tackles the realities of drug use within boarding schools. His eldest son, Maxwell, is also set to release "The Flask," a harrowing portrayal of addiction's fallout, indicative of the family's commitment to addressing these challenging topics through art.
Mwape aims to use his story to promote a culture of openness and support, believing that collective acknowledgment of addiction can lead to healing. While he acknowledges the pain of his journey, he remains steadfast in his belief that with strategic action and community support, recovery is possible for his son and others like him. "Sometimes, battles are won by employing strategy, and I know that all strategies I have employed are taking me to the right place," he asserts, highlighting a father’s unwavering hope in the face of adversity.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Mwape revealed the emotional turmoil he has faced as a parent. With five sons and a daughter, he understands the challenges parents face when their children fall into substance abuse. "Most parents hide these issues; they're ashamed," he said, emphasizing the need to confront the reality of drug problems that exist in every household in Zambia.
His son, Mayamiko, now 23, began exhibiting troubling behavior during his teenage years, including stealing money from his father's account to fund his addiction. The situation escalated, culminating in Mayamiko's decision to run away from home just before his final exams. Mwape described his son's drastic change in personality, noting, "It’s tough because every child is special, and Maya is one of them because he is intelligent."
Though Mayamiko is now sporadically in touch, communication remains fraught and uncertain, complicating efforts for intervention. Nevertheless, Mwape feels hopeful as they begin to discuss treatment options together. During their conversation, Mayamiko expressed a desire for help, raising hopes that recovery might be within reach.
The actor's campaign for assistance reflects a broader challenge in Zambia, where adequate rehabilitation facilities are scarce and addiction is stigmatized. Mwape’s social media outreach garnered unexpected responses from other parents facing similar struggles, revealing a hidden epidemic affecting families across the nation.
Government officials are also recognizing the need for change. Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission has reported a significant rise in drug-related issues, with various substances, including cannabis and heroin, being prevalent in communities. The driving forces behind this crisis, according to the commission's head, Nason Banda, include broken family structures and the normalization of drug culture. Banda advocates for more help and resources to combat addiction rather than punitive measures.
In addition, Mwape's experiences have shaped his recent film projects, including "Girls 2 Ladies," which tackles the realities of drug use within boarding schools. His eldest son, Maxwell, is also set to release "The Flask," a harrowing portrayal of addiction's fallout, indicative of the family's commitment to addressing these challenging topics through art.
Mwape aims to use his story to promote a culture of openness and support, believing that collective acknowledgment of addiction can lead to healing. While he acknowledges the pain of his journey, he remains steadfast in his belief that with strategic action and community support, recovery is possible for his son and others like him. "Sometimes, battles are won by employing strategy, and I know that all strategies I have employed are taking me to the right place," he asserts, highlighting a father’s unwavering hope in the face of adversity.
