Fred Hickling (left), Professor of psychiatry at the University of the West Indies, speaking at yesterday's launch of Drug Awareness Month at King's House in St. Andrew. Listening are Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall (right) and Michael Tucker, president of the National Council on Drug Abuse. -
Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Focus
should primarily be placed on determining who uses drugs and why, rather than
cutting down on supplies of illegal narcotics, according to Fred Hickling, Professor
of psychiatry at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Speaking during yesterday's launch of 'Drug Awareness Month' at King's House in St. Andrew, Professor Hickling said life issues such as poverty, inadequate family structure and unemployment are the main factors that lead persons into drug or substance abuse.
He stressed it would take "political will" to solve these and other issues affecting persons in order to cut down on the negative repercussions such as criminal activities.
Throughout the month of November, the National Council on Drug Abuse will host panel discussions and workshops for students as part of a public awareness campaign.
