Drug Abuse in the Global Village
Drug Abuse in the Americas

Extent of Drug Abuse in the Caribbean

BAHAMAS
Cannabis is reported the most abused drug according to a survey of adults living in New Providence and Grand Bahamas. The estimated annual prevalence of cannabis is 2.3 per cent and daily abuse is estimated at 0.9 per cent* (U.N. 1990). Cannabis is also reported as the most prevalent drug of abuse in schools, with "ever" abuse estimated at about 8.2 per cent. Tranquilizers, in the form of sleeping pills or quaaludes, are the next most abused drugs, with "ever" abuse estimated at 7.4 per cent (School Survey 1987).

            According to the survey of adults, cocaine is the next most abused drug. The estimated annual prevalence of cocaine is 1.1 per cent and daily prevalence is about 0.5 per cent (U.N. 1990).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
According to a study in emergency rooms in 1993, analgesics were the most abused drug, with lifetime ("ever") prevalence estimated at 75 per cent, followed by tranquilizers (17 per cent), stimulants (4 per cent), cannabis (1 per cent), inhalants and hallucinogens (0.6 per cent each), cocaine and crack (0.5 per cent each), coca-paste (0.3 per cent) and heroin (0.1 per cent) (CICAD 1993).

            In a similar study in detention centers, analgesics were also the most abused drug, with lifetime prevalence estimated at 51 per cent, followed by cannabis (9 per cent), tranquilizers (5 per cent), cocaine (4 per cent), inhalants (2 per cent), stimulants (1 per cent), and hallucinogens (0.4 per cent) (CICAD 1993).

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
Cannabis and cocaine abuse are reported widespread throughout all social classes and all ages, but no estimates are available (U.N. 1990).