National Council on Substance Abuse Urged to Explore Innovative Approaches in Battling Drug Addiction

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) is being urged to look toward innovative avenues in the fight to combat the social ills of drug addiction at a national level.

The call was made yesterday by permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Yvette Goddard, during a service for NCSA Drug Awareness Month at the Christ Church Parish Church in Church Hill, Christ Church.

Goddard addressed members of the organisation’s board, staff, volunteers, and partners as they observed the annual drug awareness month. She identified increased vulnerability in the family unit and the absence of traditional community support, as factors in the rise of substance abuse among the youth.

“We are known to have many single-parent homes without the traditional extended family and/or community support resulting in fewer persons existing in stable and safe living environments. In addition parents and guardians are working longer hours and some parents appear to demonstrate little concern or focus toward their children’s exposure to illegal drug use or activity,” she said. (JRN)