Drug addiction continues to be a major concern in Jamaica, especially among young males. The drug abuse rate among primary-school children is also cause for alarm.

Although forcing a drug-addicted person to get treatment is rarely successful, families and friends are encouraged to pressure victims to get help, an expert on substance abuse has said.

"Parents are part of the problem, as they see children taking drugs, they send them to buy alcoholic drinks or cigarettes, and so they sit in the home and watch them release stress through drugs," said David Gordon, field officer at the National Council for Drug Abuse.

Gordon said initiation into socially acceptable drugs was a gateway to more dangerous substances such as cocaine, as curiosity often led youths, particularly those in the 18-24 age cohort, to experiment.

He recommended that close friends make an appointment with a counsellor to assess the scale of abuse and craft strategies to overcome the problem.

The workplace is less lenient, and managers often give ultimatums to staff struggling with drug abuse. Counselling is generally accorded to family members as well.

Gordon said the extent of the drug abuse would determine if the counsellor refers the addicted person to a psychologist, family specialist or psychiatrist to pursue more intense courses of treatment. A treatment plan is then developed to wean victims off drugs and prevent relapses.

Group sessions are held to discuss drug abuse struggles and triumphs and participants share experiences on staying clean. The atmosphere of openness often disarms initial fears and reservations, emboldening participants to face their demons.

sonia.mitchell@gleanerjm.com

Effects of drug addiction:

Damages relations with families and friends because of stress and anxiety challenges.

May cause bad breath, gum diseases like gingivitis, poisoning, heart attack, cancer of the throat, stomach, intestines and bladder.

May cause infertility

How to help a drug-addicted person

Victim must be willing to get help.

Detoxify addicted person.

Victims should get treated at a rehab centre.

Find suitable environment for victim.

Addicted person should join a support group.

Havens of help

National Council for Drug Abuse, 2-6 Melmac Avenue, Kingston 5. Tel 926-9002-4, 1-888-991-4244.

Patricia House: Richmond Fellowship of Jamaica, Upper Musgrave Road, St Andrew. Tel 978-2324, 978-1670.

Salvation Army, Peter Lane, off Lyndhurst Road, Kingston. Tel 908-0389.

Assessment and Detoxification Unit at UHWI, Mona. Tel 977-0705.

Maverley Gospel Hall, 100 Molynes Road, Kingston. Tel 925-4561.

Ferdie House, off Liguanea Road, Kingston. Tel 977-1108.

Additional source: Joan Latty, MSc, psychologist, NCU Counselling and Psychological Service Centre.