Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 06, 2009 (SKNIS): The Oral Swab Technology Consultation held April 02 and 03, 2009, demonstrated to medical professionals and other stakeholders, the technologies available in the early identification of illicit drug users.

The result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, OraSure Technologies Inc and Diversified Healthcare Solutions Inc., the consultation is one of the provisions of the National Strategic Health Plan.

Dr. Sharon Halliday, Consultant Psychiatrist of St. Kitts and Nevis, said that early detection is important particularly in youth, considering that there is a direct link between substance abuse and crime and violence.  She noted that the early use of marijuana causes youth to develop an a-motivational syndrome, which is the lack of a personal drive to learn.  Dr. Halliday emphasized that the syndrome is one of the problems experienced at the high school level causing a large number of high school drop outs.  She noted that once these young people leave school, they are neither educated nor trained and this often leads them toward a life of crime and violence.

She added that as a psychiatrist, swab technology is of particular importance to her considering that substance abuse impacts the brain and mental illness is one of the results.

Dr. Robert Sage, Senior Vice President of the Human Services Division of Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation said that it is important that individuals realize that addiction is a chronic relapsing but treatable disease.  He noted that rather than the illness resulting in imprisonment and job loss there can be effective treatment.  Dr. Sage also noted that it was necessary to realize that moralizing about drug abuse does not solve any of the issues that can arise.

Basil Halliday, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diversified Healthcare Solutions Inc., noted that the Caribbean is often seen as a place to party, and drug use is often associated with such.  He said the problems arise when the drugs of choice for the region, alcohol and marijuana are abused.  CEO Halliday noted that the swab technology will enable better detection in terms of substance abusers and provide a way for them to get effective treatment.

Consultation topics included “Anatomy of a Drug Treatment Programme,” “Health and Socio-economic Impact of Alcoholism” and “Promoting a Healthy Work Environment.”