The Ministry of Health are to conduct a study on substance abuse that they say will be useful in the formulation of policy and legislation.

The announcement was made by minister of health Dr Christopher Tufton at a press briefing held today (December 15), who noted that the main focus of the study will be on alcohol abuse.

“We anticipate that the results of the study will provide for us talking points, data sets and a baseline for the conversation that will take place going into the new year,” stated the minister.

A budget of J$16 million was allocated for the research that will be conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) next year.

Tufton noted that there are other substances that are being abused in Jamaica that will also be assess, but alcohol is the most common.

“The truth is alcohol is heavily abused in this country and the results are there whether through long term illnesses or some of the things we have identified in terms road accidents,” stated the minister.

Tufton shared that data from the National Drug Household survey by the NCDA suggests that one in every six males and one in every 17 females admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

He added that this tends to get worse during the holiday period, which puts a strain on the healthcare system.

“We really want to use the opportunity to emphasize to persons of all ages that you should really make an effort to obey the road traffic signs, rules and speed limit,” urged the minister.

The new study follows the Rapid Situation Assessment on Substance Use and Urgent Issues in Secondary Schools that was conducted by the NCDA.

According to the assessment shared on September 1, molly, vaping and edibles were identified as drugs taking over schools nationally.

The results were cited as a cause for concern for the ministry of health that vowed to conduct further studies on the matter.

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