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THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
DIVISION/NATIONAL DRUG INFORMATION
CENTER –NDIC
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Background
The Substance Abuse Prevention Division (SAPD) is the government institution that has primary
responsibility for drug demand reduction in Antigua and Barbuda. The division came out of the National
Drug Council (NDC) which was established through a decision of cabinet in 1989 after a survey of drug use
in schools and the work place found that there was a problem of drug use in these populations.
As a result, the secretariat of the NDC, known as the National Drug Information Center (NDIC), was
established to assist the council in carrying out those tasks which were necessary to fulfill its aims. Out of this
effort, the Substance Abuse Prevention Division was born. While it was only the NDIC, and for a very short
period of time, it was a part of the Citizen’s Welfare Division. In March 1992, the NDIC was upgraded to the
Substance Abuse Prevention Division (SAPD) through a Cabinet decision.
This upgrade resulted in the SAPD being moved out of the Citizens’ Welfare Division to be a division on its
own. The division is headed by the Substance Abuse Prevention Officer, who is supported by a complement
of professional, paraprofessional and auxiliary staff. The SAPD is funded by the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda
VISION
The Substance Abuse Prevention Division aims, through its programs, to achieve the international goal of a society free
of drug abuse in Antigua and Barbuda.
MISSION
To reduce the use of illegal drugs and prevent the indiscriminate use of legal drugs through education, counseling,
referrals, networking and public awareness while encouraging the maintenance of healthy bodies and minds, positive
behavior change and alternative healthy lifestyles.
MOTTO
Providing the weapon of knowledge in the fight against drugs in Antigua and Barbuda
AIM
The Substance Abuse Prevention Division aims to educate the general public of Antigua and Barbuda about the dangers
of drug abuse to:
 Reduce the use of illegal drugs, and
 Prevent the indiscriminate use of legal drugs
FUNCTIONS OF THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE
 Plan and implement programs for the education of
PREVENTION DIVISION
the general public regarding the dangers of substance abuse
 Provide counseling and support for the families of alcoholics and others with substance use disorders
 Carry out, with assistance from the NDC, periodic surveys to determine the nature of substance abuse in Antigua and
Barbuda
 Work with the NDC in helping the Ministry and Government in determining plans and policies to address the
problem of substance abuse in Antigua and Barbuda
 Motivate the public, through the churches, civic organizations, schools, etc., to become involved in substance abuse
prevention.
 Develop programs to educate the public on drug abuse problems
 Carry out surveys to determine the extent of the problem of drug use and abuse in Antigua and Barbuda, including
schools, workplaces, and entertainment establishments
 Train personnel to carry out programs which will assist in the reduction in the use of illegal drugs and prevention of
the indiscriminate use of legal drugs
 Be involved in regional and international efforts to deal effectively with drug abuse
 Make appropriate recommendations to government regarding policies and strategies to effectively facilitate all of the
above
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION DIVISION
The Substance Abuse Prevention Division
 Provides statistical data, reports, and survey information on drug abuse
 Produces, for distribution, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, posters, etc. on the subject of abuse
 Makes available for viewing and listening, video and audio cassette tapes and DVDs
 Collaborates with groups, organizations, and individuals to evaluate, determine, and fulfill their drug abuse information
and other needs
 Offers counseling to clients and their significant others
 Offers referrals to medical practitioners, social workers, and other professionals involved in drug abuse prevention and
for other relevant assistance
 Provides resource personnel with expertise/experience in drug-related matters to make presentations on the subject
 Promotes drug education and awareness in schools
 Develops and delivers training programs for groups
 Offers opportunities for student research, etc.
BE SMART! DON’T START!
Do you or someone you know have a problem with drugs, including alcohol and tobacco?
Do you need help in dealing with your drug problem?
Do you need help in dealing with someone with a drug problem?
Please call:
Substance Abuse Prevention Division
462-4701/460-9189
Crossroads Treatment & Rehab Centre
562-0035
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
463-3155
Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
462-0559
C.C.O.P.E
462-2082
Al Anon
460-9041