The Police Unit Commander for Community Affairs in the Erongo Region, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, has raised concern about guardians who drink around their children, saying they are likely to follow suit.

Inspector Shapumba says, apart from other efforts being made, churches also have a role to play in teaching people moral values.

Celebrations during the holidays are a time when some people are more likely to drink beyond their limits than at other times of the year.

President Hage Geingob has appealed to Namibians to be cognisant of the economic cost of road accidents, saying they reach about 2 percent of gross domestic product and rob the country of a productive workforce.

Alcohol abuse is another thing that worries the president, especially now that the holiday season is approaching.

 Alcohol abuse, a lack of emotional self-regulation and listening skills are the top social causes of gender-based violence and suicides in Namibia.

This is according to a therapist from Swakopmund, Marcella Katjijova, who has urged the public to prioritise mental health care.

At a Gender Based Violence survivors walk in Swakopmund, therapist Marcella Katjijova argued that alcohol and drug abuse fuel violence in relationships.

She says this is because people relax their guard and speak their minds, sometimes in very ugly ways.

In an effort to combat the abuse of alcohol and drugs, the University of Namibia's social work students organised an awareness campaign in Katutura.

Concerns about an increasing number of drug lords and rampant abuse of illegal substances have been reported in the area, and the students, as part of their assessment, organised an awareness campaign with spiritual leaders and former alcohol and drug users to motivate and encourage young people.