The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) has urged relatives and friends of those experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or mind-altering substances to call the NCSA’s office, the Psychiatric Hospital, or the nearest polyclinic for help.
This advice came from NCSA Manager Betty Hunte who insisted that the council fully supports the Government’s move to ban the sale of alcohol as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Hunte said the NCSA remains concerned about the interruption of access to rehabilitative spaces, something she declared as being of crucial importance to people who are currently in counselling or who have come to a place where they want to access these support services.
While there is currently an online petition which already has thousands of signatures, seeking to get Government to lift the ban, Hunte told Barbados TODAY that the NCSA also understands the views of those who are against the decision.
But she argued that the whole issue of alcohol is steeped in Barbadian tradition, but what perhaps is not so well accepted is when an individual’s use of alcohol affects them to the point that they must seek help but refuse to do so.
The manager stressed that all governments must insist on measures to minimize the strain on the health care system during this period.
Hunte said: I don’t think we sometimes see how a breakdown in one part of the system causes sometimes undue pressure on another. In this instance, problematic drinking may lead to contact with the criminal justice system including police, courts and prisons and, or, the public health system and this can be as a result not only of going to the rum-shop and getting drunk but can be caused by indiscriminate use of alcohol in the home.”
The petition claims that while the alcohol ban and other measures the Government is taking to prevent the spread of infection is being supported, people are struggling with the impact the ban is having on their lives.
The document reads in part: “Banning the sales of alcohol has added to the problem as it prevents us from relaxing and getting a temporary respite from the day-to-day boredom. It is hard to understand how the sale of alcohol for home consumption could be a threat to the success of the lock-down.
“The Government needs to give us an ease. Lift the ban on alcohol sales at supermarkets, mini-marts and village shops and allow home delivery by specialist liquor outlets. Keep rum-shops closed to avoid people congregating in groups.”
Almost 1,800 people have now signed the petition to support lifting the ban.
The NCSA’s manager said the council has heard the concerns expressed relative to the increased risk to the vulnerable people who must remain indoors during this period, and if they reside with someone whose judgment is even more impaired with the use of alcohol, then that risk is multiplied many times.
“The NCSA encourages you to stay safe and stay the distance, if not for yourself, the person you care most about. Think before you drink,” Hunte said.
