Drug addiction is a disease – official

Director of the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit Jacinta Bannis has warned prisoners that illegal drug addiction is not only a criminal activity, but should also be viewed as a disease.

According to a press release, the Unit organized 12 weeks of interactive drug education sessions, where 20 male inmates at the Dominica State Prison participated.

At the closing ceremony held last Wednesday Bannis noted that the programme was important not only to the State Prison, but also to the Drug Prevention Unit.

She recognized there is a bond formed between the participants and the staff of the unit through such programmes. Upon release a number of participants visit the Unit for various reasons, mainly for help towards a smooth reinsertion into the society.

The participants were also asked to use their time wisely, and decide upon their next step in making that transition to change.

Drug Abuse Prevention Officer Malcolm St. Rose, who made remarks at the function pointed out the significance his Unit in the rehabilitation process of the inmates.

He viewed such programmes as being one of the first steps towards recovery.

The press release stated that two inmates testified to the positive impact of the programmes on their lives.  One participant testified that the programme has brought about a dramatic way of thinking for him.  According to the Stockfarm inmate his whole output on drug use and abuse has changed.

He has recognized the effect of drug use on persons, would not like to end up into a spiral of self destruction.
“When we started the programme we argued vigorously with the facilitators that marijuana was not a drug, knowing what I know now about drugs meaning that they are mind altering substances, I can say boldly now that marijuana is a drug,” that prisoner said.

Meantime, Prison Officer responsible for social programmes Franklyn Thomas  recommended the Drug Abuse Prevention Unit conducts counselling for inmates, especially those who are nearing the completion of their jail term. He also suggested that the Prison Drug Education Programme continues outside the confines of the prison.

The Unit presented two basketballs and toiletries to the inmates for their use.

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6 Comments

  1. December 2, 2016

    Drug addiction is a disease. But it is a preventable disease. The “patients” have only themselves to blame.
    It is caused by wrong choices rooted in their lust for sensual pleasure and their rebellion against society.

    Like alcoholism (a form of drug addiction) it should be considered a sin. It is best treated by having the victims face their guilt with the confession (to God not a man) “I have sinned.”

    They must believe that Christ died for their sins according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and rose again, and receive HM as their personal Savior according to John 1:12

    Christ is the Great Physician for soul and body who saves, heals, delivers, and sets free :!:

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  2. Alcoholic anonymous
    May 31, 2010

    We have found that criminals reentering society have found much more success if they are involved in a 12 step program. Without this vital step, failure is almost guaranteed. There are listings in the newspaper for alcoholics anonymous meetings in Roseau, Portsmouth and the territory. Help is available if the recovery is desired.

  3. smoothgirl38
    April 22, 2010

    in order to stop the rise of use of drugs in our country we need to start by dealing with the big men in

    society that controls the market——-if you look at it they more hold people with marijuana than

    cocaine cause the little man handles the weed and the big man handles the cocaine

  4. Mac-Arthur Haughton
    April 8, 2010

    Blackheart I agree with your comment, addictions is more a weakness of character than a disease. Next they will say laziness and stupidity are diseases too.

    People who make remarks like these do anything to shift responsibility and blame from where it should be levelled and conveniently place it on someone or something else. Too many people refuse to be held accountable for their own actions.

  5. blackheart
    April 7, 2010

    i just think that when people make statements like “drug addiction is a disease” we need to clarify from what aspects we are making such comments. i can safely say that yes there exist drug induced psychosis, but that the prolong use of drugs that have somewhat affected the biological body , but we need to be careful when we make this statements, cause we ned to understand that after severe warning people CHOOSE to use drugs, and and for me this is not no disease, its a choice , a bad choice.so please with these statements clarify them.

    • doggy da massive
      May 7, 2010

      how many times must i say to you lot out there cigger smokin is more dangerous than natural weed.rum drinkin most dangerous but socity tends to keep it low.we must do our homework.

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