With substance abuse a public health issue, traditional methods of dealing with this problem can no longer be employed, says Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams.
Targeted approaches from multiple agencies are required and not only those which seek to criminalise the user, he added.
“By the time the criminal justice system has run its course, valuable resources may have already been squandered that could have been better allocated towards diverse public health treatments and behavioural modification strategies. When we combine our strengths, we amplify our impact,” Abrahams said.
He appealed to Government agencies, the private sector, faithbased organisations, nongovernmental organisations and civil society to “confront and combat the factors contributing to illicit substance use”.
The minister was addressing the congregation at Silver Sands Church of God in Christ Church yesterday morning at a service to mark Drug Awareness Month organised by the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA).
This year’s activities, being held under the theme Strengthening Prevention,
are seeking to involve multiple stakeholders to drive a national response.
“We recognise that no single agency can tackle substance use and abuse alone. The power of collaboration is invaluable . . . and collaboration requires us to unite diverse perspectives, expertise and resources from various sectors,” Abrahams said.
He welcomed both residential treatment facilities Verdun House (men) and Marina House (women) which will join the NCSA in public education on the dangers of illicit drug use, the “real” challenges of recovery and “the immense joy of
witnessing individuals successfully overcome these challenges and reintegrate into society”.
He added: “Together, we aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health, substance-use disorders and addiction . . . , fostering greater understanding and empathy. They continue to achieve this through partnerships with many stakeholders across our nation, striving to create a path towards healing and recovery for those who need it most.”
Abrahams, who is also parliamentary representative for Christ Church East, noted that some people turned to substances like alcohol and drugs to relieve stress and manage problems, sometimes unaware of the potential dangers.
He said faith-based organisations also played a role in helping people overcome some of these challenges, and while there is discussion on those who seek help, he acknowledged many others did not.
“A major concern is the percentage of those who may not seek treatment, and hence are not being captured in our systems for several reasons with the fear of stigma being identified as a major factor. It is critically important that we reinforce education and advocacy about substance abuse at every level and across all sectors nationally.” (SAT)
