Lyndon E. van Wyk 
Substance Use, the Namibian Youth and the Role of the Church [PDF ebook] 
The Need for Pastoral Counselling – A Case Study

Document from the year 2025 in the subject Theology – Practical Theology, , language: English, abstract: Substance use has become a common phenomenon among the Namibian youth. In that respect, Khomasdal, a suburb of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is no exception. Lyndon van Wyk’s research paper assesses the current situation among young people aged 16 to 19 in Khomasdal. It identifies both the causes of substance use and the effects it has on this age group. Furthermore, it demonstrates how church-based pastoral care and counselling can help young people to live transformed lives without alcohol and drugs. The research shows that difficult economic conditions, unfair and systematic inequalities, peer pressure, dysfunctional families and psychological disorders play a significant role in substance use among adolescents. A widespread hedonistic culture and a school system where existentialist and postmodern thinking have replaced the Christian outlook on life are also identified by van Wyk as contributing factors. Furthermore, the study shows that substance use not only leads to dangerous behavioural patterns but also causes personality changes and addiction. Addiction, in turn, leads to criminal activity. Drugs and alcohol also have a direct negative impact on the youth’s cognitive performance and academic achievement.

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