Drug abuse is a major problem in schools all over the world, including in Jamaica. It is a serious issue that can have serious consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
One of the main reasons that drug abuse is such a problem in schools is because young people are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of drugs. They are still developing physically and emotionally, and the use of drugs can have a significant impact on their development. In addition, young people may be more prone to peer pressure and may feel pressure to fit in with certain social groups, which can lead them to engage in risky behaviors such as drug use.
In Jamaica, the most commonly used drugs among school-aged children are marijuana, alcohol, and inhalants. These drugs can have serious consequences, including addiction, mental health problems, and impaired cognitive and physical development. In addition, the use of drugs can lead to poor academic performance, which can have long-term consequences for a person's future prospects and success.
There are several ways that schools and communities can address the problem of drug abuse in schools. One approach is through education and prevention programs that teach young people about the risks and dangers of drug use. These programs can be delivered through schools, community organizations, or other venues and may include information about the physical and psychological effects of drugs, as well as strategies for coping with peer pressure and avoiding drug use.
Another approach is through the implementation of policies and programs that aim to reduce the availability of drugs in schools. This may include efforts to prevent the sale and distribution of drugs on school grounds, as well as efforts to educate students, teachers, and parents about the dangers of drug use and the importance of keeping drugs out of schools.
Finally, it is important for schools and communities to provide support and resources for those who are struggling with drug abuse. This may include access to counseling and rehabilitation services, as well as support for families who are impacted by a loved one's drug use.
In conclusion, drug abuse is a serious problem in Jamaican schools that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. By educating young people about the risks and dangers of drug use, reducing the availability of drugs in schools, and providing support and resources for those who are struggling with drug abuse, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for all students.
Over 150,000 Jamaicans impacted by public education offered by National Council on Drug Abuse in 2021
Pressure that comes from parents about school was a real thing for them - and marijuana was often a way for them to take the edge off before an exam. Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Report 198: Vienna, UN WHO. Uki Atkinson, Research Analyst at the National Council on Drug Abuse NCDA , speaking at a joint press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Education and Youth and the council on September 1, 2022. Copenhagen, Denmark: WHO Regional Office for Europe. While not as popular, Atkinson said alcohol is still being abused by students and that they have sought creative ways to bring it into the schools such as infusing it with gummy bears, which are called 'Rummy Bears', and in water bottles. Parents and students in need of assistance can reach out to the National Council On Drug Abuse at 876-926-9002.
Molly alarm as youth drug use under scrutiny
From alcohol and caffeine in Europe to khat in East Africa and shisha tobacco in the Arabic world, we all enhance our social encounters with substances which to varying degrees enliven us, lower our inhibitions, and bring us together. National Institute on Health- U. Guidelines and challenges for estimating the economic costs and benefits of adolescent substance abuse treatment. It will be expected in this study to achieve the following objectives: To investigate the prevalence level of substance use and abuse of different drugs, to identify the substances being used, to examine the reasons for substance use, its availability and adolescents knowledge of the effect of substance use, to discover when and where the users were introduced to the substances, to examine any relationship to age, gender, socioeconomic status and geographic location to the use of substances and to further expose the dangers involved with substance use. BY PAUL ANDREW BOURNE, M. Patton, McMorris, Toumbourou, Hemphill, Donath and Catalano 2004 confirmed that early substance use among adolescents impacts on the health, leads risky sexual behaviour and intentional and unintentional injuries.
Current Trends in Adolescent Substance Use in Jamaica
A large number of students 64% reported a lifetime prevalence of alcohol use. Conclusions: Alcohol continues to be the substance most widely used by Jamaican adolescents, followed by tobacco, marijuana and inhalants. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received. The forum included presentations from the NCDA in addition to key representatives from education, health, law enforcement, the church, youth, businesses, and community interests. Michael Tucker, executive director of the National Council on Drug Abuse NCDA , is among the stakeholders most concerned about the worrying trend for Jamaican youth. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
