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Dominica Alcohol and Drug Information Network (DADIN)

Ministry of Health Outlines Dangers of Drug Use As UN Celebrates January

The Dominica Alcohol and Drug Information Network (DADIN) was established as a central body for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of drug-related statistical information. It operates under the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit (NDAPU) within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. DADIN is responsible for monitoring drug trends, implementing educational programs, and providing data to assist policymakers in developing strategies to combat drug abuse and related social issues.

Drug Use and Prevalence based on DADIN

The 2019 DADIN Report highlights key data on drug consumption, treatment, and law enforcement interventions. The most commonly used substances in Dominica include:

  • Alcohol – The most widely consumed substance, contributing significantly to hospital admissions related to substance use.
  • Cannabis – The most frequently seized illicit drug, with thousands of grams confiscated annually.
  • Cocaine – The second most trafficked drug, predominantly smuggled from South America through Dominica as a transshipment point.

Key Statistics from 2019:

  • 6.85 million liters of alcohol were imported, amounting to US$5.98 million.
  • 487,926 grams of cannabis and 80,642 grams of cocaine were confiscated.
  • 26,636 cannabis plants were seized in eradication exercises.
  • 9,791 kg of tobacco products were imported, valued at US$271,100.
  • Alcohol-related incidents increased by 60% compared to 2018, with 130 cases recorded at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department.
  • Substance-induced psychosis cases rose to 51, a 65% increase from 2018.

Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation

The A&E Department and Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) are the primary treatment centers for substance abuse cases. In 2019, a total of 227 individuals sought treatment for drug-related issues:

  • 57% (130 cases) were alcohol-related.
  • 17% (39 cases) involved cannabis intoxication.
  • 23% (51 cases) were related to substance-induced psychosis.

DADIN also collaborates with community-based programs such as:

  • Prison Drug Reintegration Program – Helps rehabilitate inmates with drug-related offenses.
  • Peer Helpers Program – Engages youth in schools to promote drug awareness and resistance skills.
  • Health Centre Awareness Program – Provides educational sessions to patients awaiting medical attention.

Drug Crime and Law Enforcement

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (Drug Squad and Criminal Investigative Department) plays a crucial role in enforcing anti-drug laws. Key statistics on drug crime in 2019 include:

  • 18 firearms and 353 rounds of ammunition seized.
  • 299 ecstasy pills confiscated, marking the first recorded seizure of this drug.
  • 140 liquor licenses issued, showing a decline from previous years due to stricter regulations.

The Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Chapter 40:07, governs drug-related offenses, classifying controlled substances into three categories based on their harmful potential. The Money Laundering (Prevention) Act of 2011 is also crucial in tracking drug-related financial crimes.

Economic Impact of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse places a significant burden on Dominica’s economy. The importation of alcohol and tobacco continues to rise, contributing to public health challenges such as:

  • Increased healthcare costs due to substance abuse-related treatments.
  • Loss of workforce productivity from substance dependence.
  • Strain on law enforcement and judicial resources handling drug-related offenses.

Future Strategies and Recommendations

To combat substance abuse and its associated challenges, DADIN recommends:

  1. Stronger Law Enforcement – Enhancing surveillance and border control to limit drug trafficking.
  2. Education and Prevention Programs – Expanding outreach in schools and communities.
  3. Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers – Increasing the availability of specialized treatment facilities.
  4. Policy Revisions – Updating existing drug laws to align with emerging trends and challenges.
  5. International Partnerships – Strengthening cooperation with regional organizations such as the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Looking Ahead

DADIN remains committed to reducing the impact of drug and alcohol abuse in Dominica through data-driven policies, community engagement, and rehabilitation efforts. With continued government support and collaboration with law enforcement and healthcare providers, the network aims to create a safer and healthier environment for all Dominicans.