Help for a Son or Husband Using Drugs
What Zimbabwean families can do when someone they love is using drugs.
Discovering that your son or husband is using drugs brings shock, fear and often shame. Many families in Zimbabwe tell us they did not know who to talk to, especially as methamphetamine (mutoriro) has spread quickly among young people.
You do not have to work this out alone. This page sets out the warning signs, how to approach the conversation and what help is available.
- Changes in sleep, appetite and weight
- Money or possessions disappearing
- Paranoia, aggression or extreme mood swings
- New friends and secrecy about whereabouts
- Dropping out of school or work
- Days without sleep followed by long crashes
How to start the conversation
Pick a calm moment when he is not under the influence. Say what you have noticed and that you are worried, without accusing. Listen more than you speak, and say clearly that you want him to get help.
When it is urgent
Psychosis, threats of violence, thoughts of suicide or overdose need emergency care immediately: call 994 or go to the nearest hospital.
Treatment options
We can assess your son or husband in Harare or by video, guide an intervention in Zimbabwe, and admit him to our residential clinic in Cape Town. Treatment costs Primary Care: approximately USD 1,504.80 per week for eight weeks in Cape Town. Re-entry: approximately USD 1,128.60 per week for four weeks near Harare. Full 12-week programme: approximately USD 16,552.80, all-inclusive with no additional programme costs..
Editorial standards & clinical review
Author
Jeroen Decker
Founder, Hillhouse Clinics
Founder of Hillhouse Clinics with 15+ years building licensed residential addiction treatment in Cape Town. Personal lived experience of recovery.
Reviewed by
David McNamara
Clinical Director
Clinical Director with 20+ years in addiction medicine. Oversees ASAM-aligned treatment protocols, medical detox and the multi-disciplinary clinical team supporting both treatment paths at The Hillhouse and a move to The Re-entry House.
Medically reviewed by
Bryan Hellmann
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma, dual diagnosis and evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR) for substance use disorders.
Last clinically reviewed: May 7, 2026 · Next review scheduled: November 2026 · Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Content is informational and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
My son is over 18 and refuses help. What can I do?+
Admission is voluntary for adults, but a professional intervention often changes the answer. Our team can travel to Zimbabwe.
Do you treat young adults?+
Yes. Many of our clients are young adults whose families have contacted us.
Is mutoriro treatable?+
Yes. Methamphetamine dependence responds to residential treatment with medical care and therapy.
Can I get support for myself?+
Yes. Our family programme supports relatives, online from Zimbabwe.
A confidential conversation — on your terms
Continue reading
Last reviewed: October 2026. Admissions: +263 8612 882006. Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Outcomes vary; no treatment guarantees recovery. For emergencies in Zimbabwe call 994 (ambulance) or your nearest hospital.