The Health Ministry through the National Council on Drug Abuse NCDA on Wednesday  launched the National Drug Prevalence Study, which will investigate psychoactive substance use across Jamaica.

The national household survey will generate data with a focus on alcohol misuse among the population. Its findings will inform a National Alcohol Policy, as well as the development of evidence-based prevention, treatment and harm reduction programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton noted that while the household survey will take into consideration all psychoactive substances in use by the populace, emphasis will be placed on alcohol misuse.

The survey is expected to be done in about 9 months.

The launch of the drug prevalence study follows a rapid situation assessment on substance use in secondary schools, conducted last may.

The assessment revealed use of the party drug ‘Molly’ and alcohol among school children.