Ellen Campbell-Grizzle
November marks Drug Awareness Month. It is time to reflect on what each person can do to reduce the demand for psychoactive drugs, particularly among Jamaica's youth. Many youth want to be popular so friends lead them astray. An important question to ask is, "Why do our young people use and abuse drugs?" Answers to this question help us to frame appropriate responses.
One question posed on the 2006 National School Survey commissioned by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) asked, "Why do you think people use drugs?" Here are the top-10 reasons advanced by the teenage respondents:
1. Peer pressure
2. Relaxation/stress buster
3. Low self-esteem
4. Depression fighter
5. Lack of knowledge
6. Parental use
7. Availability and accessibility
of drugs
8. Curiosity/experimentation
9. Lack of role models
10. Dysfunctional family
Set your goal
Parents, adults and genuine friends play a key role in keeping teenagers drug clean. The NCDA encourages young people to believe that they are special and do not have to be like anyone else. Teenagers are advised to:
Choose friends wisely - a friend will not try to hurt you or encourage you to do anything to hurt yourself.
Set a goal and make a plan - decide what you want to do with your life. Once you set your goal, make a plan on how you will achieve it. Stay in school and work toward achieving that goal.
Have an adult friend - sometimes young people need the help of a mature person. Find someone whom you trust, to whom you can tell anything and it will not be repeated, who is easy to talk to and who will listen.
Get a hobby - keep busy and away from drugs.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle - drug abuse will damage your health.
Say 'no' to anyone who suggests drug abuse; say 'no' in a clear, firm voice, with a serious expression, shake your head vigorously and walk away.
Golden rules
Every Jamaican has a stake in drug abuse prevention. Many parents miss the tell-tale clues that indicate drug abuse and express surprise when they find out that their child has a full-blown drug habit. Parents must:
Spend time with children and listen to them.
Eat at least one meal per day with them.
Teach them the difference between good and bad.
Know where they are at all times.
Know the signs of drug abuse.
Be good role models who do not smoke, drink or abuse drugs.
Set firm rules and regulations.
Get children to spend free time constructively.
Give children regular chores.
Be open with children and praise them for satisfactory completion of simple tasks.
A Sound mind
These are difficult times and young people have to master many skills if they are to make it. They need caring adults to guide them toward sensible choices. Clear minds and a positive attitude are part of the road map to success. Ultimately, each person must accept responsibility for their actions and the decision to take a psychoactive drug for the first time is usually voluntary.
Despite many offers to our young people, the NCDA survey highlights the fact that the majority are rejecting drug use and abuse. They are ambitious and know that drug abuse is a stumbling block on the road to success.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
