What You Need to Know
• Kush, a highly addictive synthetic drug, has become a significant public health issue in Liberia.
• Miata Paye has spent $160 on rehabilitation for her son, who began using kush in 2018.
• Liberia’s government rehabilitation center in Bentol City remains unfinished, limiting treatment options for families.
Miata Paye, a mother in Liberia, is grappling with the impact of the kush crisis, which has affected many families in Monrovia. Kush, a cheap and addictive synthetic drug, has spread from Sierra Leone into Liberia, leading to widespread addiction among young people. Paye’s son first encountered kush while in the 10th grade in 2018, and despite two rehabilitation attempts costing her family $160, he returned to drug use. The Liberian government declared drug abuse a public health emergency in 2024, but many families, like Paye’s, have been struggling with the crisis for years. The situation is compounded by the unfinished rehabilitation center in Bentol City, which limits available treatment options.
Why It Matters
The rise of kush addiction in Liberia highlights significant public health challenges in West Africa. The drug’s spread has led to increased poverty, family breakdown, and homelessness among affected youth. With limited rehabilitation resources and many private facilities lacking proper oversight, families face significant barriers to recovery. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective drug treatment programs and support systems to address addiction in the region.
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