NDC offers workshops to prevent drug abuse

(CNS):  Along side the work it does measuring the use and impact of drug abuse in the community the National Drug Council is also working to reduce misuse as well. “A lot of our work is behind-the-scenes, such as research and policy development. However, one of our most important mandates is preventing drug use. To this end, we have developed a number of new initiatives to address substance abuse in our communities,” NDC Coordinator and Executive Director Joan West-Dacres said. Aside from publishing an educational booklet designed for use in the classroom and home which explains the concepts and negative impacts of substance abuse the NDC hosts workshops for parents, teachers and workers.

These educational initiatives are multi-faceted and target youth, parents, teachers as well as employers. They are all aimed at reducing the negative impacts on of drug use, misuse and abuse.”

Since January of this year around 170 people who have participants in the various preventative workshops. “The feedback to date has been very positive. Participants have reported they have found benefit in participating,” West-Dacres added.

There are three different training work shops Parents as Preventers Training teaches parents the signs and symptoms of substance use and abuse and the sessions are conducted upon request at public and private schools in Grand Cayman. Teachers as Preventers Training points out some of the early warning signs of substance abuse, as well as providing them with the information and skills that can help them take a positive approach in dealing with pre-teens and teens in their classrooms. The workshop focuses on what is happening locally with drug use and young people, reading the signs and creating a positive classroom environment.

Finally the workplace training highlights the benefits of a drug-free workplace and encourages workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. This workshop is conducted upon request.

The NDC, an independent statutory body, was set up under the National Drug Council Law (1997), to assist government in reviewing drug use trends, formulating and developing drug prevention and rehabilitation policies and programmes; conducting drug-use surveys and spearheading public education.

For more information on the NDC’s programmes, go to www.ndc.ky or call 949-9000 to schedule a workshop.  Or visit them at #17 Caymanian Village, North Sound Way.