By: Haddy Gaye
In recent years, drug abuse has become a growing concern in The Gambia. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) reports that 74% of drug-related arrests in 2023 involved individuals aged 18 to 35. Substances like cannabis, heroin, and tramadol are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them particularly appealing to vulnerable youth. While addiction has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated issue, its impact on women, particularly adolescent girls, is steadily rising, though often overlooked.
The societal narrative surrounding drug use in The Gambia focuses heavily on men, leaving the struggles of women in the shadows. For girls and young women, addiction carries an additional burden: intense societal judgment and stigma. Unlike men, who may receive some level of support or leniency, women are often ostracized, judged, and left to navigate their battles alone.
For many, it starts as a quest for belonging but spirals into a devastating battle against isolation and dependency. Mariama, a 21-year-old living in Banjul, is one of them. By day, she blends into the fabric of her community, but by night, she confronts her addiction in solitude. “The first time I smoked, it was just to feel like I belonged,” she says, her voice barely audible. “Now, it’s the only thing keeping me going, but each time I light a cigarette, I feel like I’m losing myself.”
Mariama’s story is one of many, reflecting how young women often turn to substances as a response to societal pressures and emotional pain. The trajectory from occasional use to addiction can be devastating. Fatima, another young woman whose life took an unexpected turn, knows this all too well. Once her family’s pride, she was the first girl in her community to graduate high school with aspirations of becoming a journalist. “I dreamed of changing the world,” she says. “But one mistake changed everything.”
At 17, an unplanned pregnancy shattered those dreams. “My family didn’t just turn their backs on me; they erased me,” she says, her voice trembling. Rejected and without a support system, Fatima sought solace in drugs. “At first, it helped numb the pain,” she admits. “But soon, I hated what I had become. The shame consumed me.”
According to Dr. Momodou Kali Jallow, a medical expert, explains, “Women face harsher criticism for substance use than men, trapping them in cycles of shame. Many are too afraid or embarrassed to seek help.”
The stigma extends beyond individuals to their families, as Binta Faye, a mother, can attest. Her daughter’s descent into addiction has left her heartbroken and isolated. “She was so full of life,” Binta recalls. “Now, I see her pain every day, but people only ask what went wrong. No one asks how they can help.”
In a culture where addiction among women is viewed as shameful, compassion is scarce. Mr. Lamin Ndure, a local social worker, highlights the double standards. “When a man smokes or drinks, it’s excused as ‘boys being boys,’” he says. “But when a woman does the same, she is labeled unworthy, with no chance for redemption.”
The consequences of addiction for women are severe. Beyond the emotional scars, addiction can lead to devastating health risks. “Women who use drugs face complications like low birth weight, preterm labor, and fetal alcohol syndrome if they’re pregnant,” Dr. Jallow explains. Moreover, vulnerability to exploitation leaves many women with trauma that lingers long after the addiction ends.
Despite the odds, some women are determined to reclaim their lives—Fatima dreams of creating safe spaces for young girls like her. “If I’d had someone to talk to without fear of judgment, maybe I wouldn’t have fallen so far,” she reflects. Mariama, too, wants her story to inspire others. “I want them to know they’re not alone,” she says, holding back tears.
According to Madam Kantara, a senior psychology professor at the University of The Gambia, stress, peer influence, and greater exposure to social media are significant factors driving this trend. “Some young girls believe that drugs will alleviate their stress, but this is a dangerous misconception,” she explains.
Madam Kantara calls for community involvement to tackle this issue at its root. “Families and communities must adopt a less judgmental approach,” she says. “Open communication, counseling, and public awareness campaigns can help break the cycle.”
The DLEAG’s data highlights the urgency of addressing this crisis. As drugs become more accessible, society must step up to create safe spaces for these girls to heal. “We need to stop asking, ‘What went wrong?’” Binta says. “We need to start asking, ‘How can we help?’”
