National Council on Drug Abuse
The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) in Jamaica was established in 1983 as a voluntary non- profit organization. The enactment bill of 1991 vested the body with the power to formulate and develop plans and projects for the prevention of drug abuse, its abatement and rehabilitation of drug abuse victims. In 1984, the Drug Abuse Secretariat was established to assist the Council in carrying out the administrative tasks necessary to fulfill its mandate.
MISSION
Our mission is to make Jamaica a better place to live through the elimination of licit and illicit substance misuse by delivering research driven public education, prevention and treatment programmes
Services
Below is a list of the different services that we offer
Presentations & Exhibitions
Conduct public awareness sessions to the population through a national speaker’s bureau. We can speak on substance use issues from a national, regional & international perspective.
Prevention Programming
Design and deliver resistance skill building prevention programmes for children, youth, communities and families that will increase protective factors for drug use and misuse
Drug Testing
Our staff are trained to collect and test body fluids for the presence of various substances. Drug tests are done for individuals and organizations. Employee Assistance programmes are available
Drug Counselling
Community based individual, group and family treatment is offered, to identify and manage the underlying factors for drug use. In-school and workplace treatment programmes are available
Research & Publications
Regular surveillance and analysis of trends on substance use by parish and nationally is conducted. Data is available to all levels of researchers upon request
Policy Development
We provide technical assistance in the development of school and workplace policies and drug testing protocols to ensure a safe and litigation free environment.
Specialized Drug Training
We offer specialized training programmes in substance use prevention and treatment to other professionals. Many of these training programmes are internationally certified
Access Our Services
Take a more in-depth look at the different services that are offered by the NCDA.
Programmes
The NCDA provides a variety of programmes across the island.
R.E.A.D.
Resistance Education Against Drugs (R.E.A.D) is a series of selective prevention programmes that targets ages 5-17 with life skills including decision making, problem-solving and coping skills. Emotional intelligence is built through practice in self-awareness and emotions management.
STRIVE
STRIVE is another selective prevention programme. It targets 11-15 year olds who belong to a demographic that increases their risk for drug use. It explores the consequences of substance abuse as well as risky sexual behaviour. It builds skills in conflict management and resistance skills. STRIVE has a component to train peer leaders in institutions to support programme sustainability.
Talk Di Truth
#TaIkDiTruth #FutureComeFirst is a universal high school initiative. The programme was developed in response to the de- criminalization of ganja in Jamaica, it is designed as a peer led programme for students to discuss the pros and cons of ganja. It presents facts on ganja and teaches use by students. decision making skills.
Media
Videos
Some of the videos we have developed over the years.
Social Media
Take a look at the latest from our social media feeds.
Important Statistics
Alcohol Use
Alcohol continues to be the drug most widely used in Jamaica. Approximately 40% of the population – that’s 4 in 10 people report that they currently use alcohol.
Tobacco
11% of the population reported current use of cigarettes. The prevalence among males was 17% while for females it was 5%.
Ganja Use
Overall, 16% of the population currently use ganja. Use of ganja is significantly higher among males than females (27% Males 5% Females)
