World Drug Day 2026, Persisting Challenges, New Issues and Innovative Responses, by Dr. Deval Farquharson

World Drug Day 2026 is observed under the theme “Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” highlighting the global impact of substance use disorders while encouraging communities to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and protective interventions. In The Bahamas, this theme underscores the importance of addressing vulnerabilities, especially among youth and communities at increased risk of exploitation by criminal networks. Strengthening access to evidence-based services, supportive environments, and opportunities for healthy development can reduce these risks while promoting resilience and well-being.

Inpatient detox services are offered through Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, providing structured care for individuals who need a safe, supervised environment during early recovery. The six-week programme is designed for those requiring closer monitoring, stabilization, and support away from everyday triggers. Capacity is limited to six female beds and ten male beds. Clients may receive medical and psychiatric assessments, nursing care, counselling, psychoeducation, relapse-prevention support, and discharge planning. This setting helps individuals address the physical, emotional, and behavioural effects of substance use while focusing on recovery.

Outpatient substance-use services are provided through the Community Counseling & Assessment Centre (CCAC), SRC’s outpatient mental-health clinic on Collins Avenue. CCAC operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at (242) 323-3293/5. Services include individual and group counselling and are available to individuals as young as eight years old, supporting early intervention for children and adolescents at risk.

Early intervention provides young people with education, life skills, positive role models, and access to mental-health and substance-use support, which help build resilience and reduce susceptibility to exploitation. Adolescent group programmes run for eight weeks and offer age-appropriate support focused on coping skills, decision-making, emotional regulation, and reducing risky behaviours. They also provide a safe environment for young people to discuss challenges and develop healthier ways to manage stress and peer pressure.

For adults, the outpatient programme spans nine months and supports long-term recovery within the community. Services may include individual counselling, substance-use groups, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioural approaches, relapse prevention, and assistance with identifying triggers, harmful patterns, and protective factors. Continued outpatient care is essential because recovery extends beyond detox. Many individuals benefit from ongoing support to rebuild relationships, return to work or school, manage cravings, and maintain sobriety.

While substance use remains a persistent issue, innovative and person-centred responses can address emerging challenges and reduce vulnerabilities. Together, inpatient and outpatient programmes provide a continuum of care. Inpatient detox offers stabilization for those needing a higher level of support, while outpatient services encourage sustained recovery, prevention, and community reintegration.

On World Drug Day, the message is one of hope and compassion. Through accessible counselling, structured programmes, family and community support, and ongoing follow-up, individuals affected by substance use can move from crisis toward healing, stability, and dignity.

(if you have any questions or enquiries, do call a counsellor or a member of the substance abuse clinical team at CCAC, phone 242-323-3293/5)

Second Article:

“Addressing Substance Use in the Bahamas: Prevention and Innovation on World Drug Day 2026”

By Dr. Vernon Davis

As we celebrate World Drug Day 2026 under the theme "World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses," it is imperative that we bring awareness to substance use in the Bahamas. Though drug prevalence varies based on age groups, prevention strategies and psychiatric interventions remain steadfast and vigorous.

For children and adolescents, marijuana continues to be one of the major drugs of choice. Early exposure of cannabis to the developing brain has led to poorer prognosis and greater risk of developing primary psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia. Cannabis-induced psychosis persists as a major public health concern among our school-aged population. Therefore, early education among our children is key.

Similarly, nicotine use is a major concern. With creatively discreet packaging, enticing flavors, and social media normalization of toxic aerosol products, targeted marketing makes vaping appear trendy among the adolescent population. Contrary to popular belief, there are substantial data readily available outlining the negative effects of vaping. Countless studies now debunk previously accepted reports that vaping was a safer alternative. Like during the early introduction of cigarettes, vaping is shown to have increased hazards from sustained use among all users. Medical complications can be directly linked to its use. E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury, chemical pneumonitis, and bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung) are just a few of these medically studied pathologies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that vaping is hooking children on nicotine far earlier than traditional smoking ever did. Fifteen million teenagers worldwide (aged 13–15) are reported to be currently vaping. Statistics show children are nine times more likely to vape than their adult counterparts.

In the adult population, cocaine and alcohol are among the most common drugs of addiction, leading to significant social and occupational impairment. Cocaine has been noted to be highly prevalent in specific areas, and spikes of usage locally have been attributed to historical transshipment booms, severely impacting individuals, families, and communities at large.

Fortunately, while other countries have seen an uptick in fentanyl and opioid use, this reality has not been the same for the Bahamas. However, we remain equipped with training and employ robust surveillance systems in preparation.

The Bahamas continues to offer extensive inpatient and outpatient drug detox and intervention programs. While treatment options remain available at affordable rates to the general population, the greatest investment proves to be prevention through public education, national campaigns, and early health promotion targeting of children and other high-risk groups.

If any further questions or concerns, do contact Dr. Davis at the Community Counselling and Assessment, telephone 323-3293/5 Center on a Thursday: 12:30 pm until close time at 5:00pm