Guyanese authorities concerned about drug and alcohol abuse among young people

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC –Guyana health authorities are launching a substance prevention programme aimed at reducing the abuse and misuse of drugs, particularly among young people.

The Mental Health Unit (MHU) said the programme will be launched Wednesday during the Ministry of Health’s inaugural four-day Expo.

It said research has shown that the school-aged population and other youths are likely to abuse and misuse addictive substances.

MHU’s Health Education Officer Tashia James said the programme is aimed at raising the awareness about the harmful effects of substance misuse among this target group, with the programme specifically focusing on the physical and mental health challenges resulting from overuse and misuse of alcohol.

“We have found that alcohol misuse is quite prevalent in Guyana and as such the mental health unit has chosen to launch this campaign at the Health expo since the over-arching theme for this event is reaching for a better life with good health,” James said.

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