National Drug Abuse Control Council Addresses Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Among the participants were personnel from the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC). The NDACC is the body established through the Misuse of Drugs Act to advise the Government of Belize on matters relating to the deduction of the demand and supply of drugs. The council has a unique role to play in the delivery of mental health support, as people suffering from trauma or other forms of psychological distress generally have a higher risk of engaging in substance abuse.  Glenn Tillett Jr. Outreach Case Officer with the NDACC said that the use of alcohol presents a challenge when it comes to delivering mental health support due to its wide social acceptance. He explained that the council works to tailor interventions to assist those suffering from many forms of distress while trying to steer them through a culture that supports and encourages alcohol use.

Tillett also said many road traffic accidents are caused or linked to some form of drug misuse, making the presence of the NDACC at the training session even more important. A part of the NDACC’s mandate is to provide public education on the dangers of the use and misuse of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.