New research from the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) shows that alcohol experimentation among Barbados’ schoolchildren has surged, increasing nearly fivefold from primary to secondary school.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Research and Information Officer with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), Dr Jonathan Yearwood, revealed the findings that show adolescents as an increasingly high-risk group for substance use.
“The previous research, that we would have conducted, has shown that there is a massive jump in relation to experimentation of alcohol. From primary age between 9 to 11 years and secondary school age 13 to 17, [there] is almost a fivefold increase,” Dr Yearwood said, stating that similar trends were observed with marijuana.
He expressed concern about the negative effects of alcohol and substance use on young people. “We see the adolescent population as an increasing consumer of traditional substances, alcohol, marijuana, and this raises concerns not just for their health, but also for their future productivity and social wellbeing.”
The NCSA’s research also shows that about one in four people admitted to the Psychiatric Hospital for drug treatment had experienced a co-morbid diagnosis. “When addiction is compounded by mental health issues, it becomes not just a personal challenge, but a societal one. It can increase the risk of violence, robberies, and aggressive behaviour,” Dr Yearwood noted.
He also highlighted the impact of substance abuse on the workplace. The surveys found that about half of employees express concerns about losing their job if they disclosed a substance abuse problem, while only four out of ten felt confident their workplace would support them. “Most respondents agreed that interventions in the workplace are essential,” he said. “We are not just talking about disciplinary action. We are talking about programmes that educate, provide support, and help employees recover so they can be productive again.”
He noted that addressing substance use early can prevent long-term health problems. “Alcohol and other substances are very much related to health,” he said. “Poisoning, overdoses, chronic disease, all of these are part of the picture, and we must respond to them in a comprehensive way.”
Dr Yearwood told Barbados TODAY the NCSA plans to expand research and training, particularly for first responders and school personnel, to better identify and assist adolescents facing substance use challenges. “Sometimes a parent sees their child in crisis, calls for help, and the responders are not equipped to deal with it. Training is key,” he said
“The adolescent population is showing a significant increase in alcohol and marijuana use, and we need to make sure that education, awareness, and support systems are in place so that they can make healthier choices.”
Tackling alcohol and substance abuse is not just about helping the individual, said Dr Yearwood: “It’s about reducing crime, protecting public safety, and ensuring productivity in workplaces and communities across Barbados,” he said. “We have to look at the bigger picture, the social, health, and economic impacts, so we can respond effectively.” (LG)
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