Abuse of kava, alcohol and tobacco still a major concern in our communities - Senikarawa

The National Substance Abuse and Advisory Council says the abuse of kava, alcohol and tobacco continues to be major concerns in our communities.

Council CEO Manoa Senikarawa says they are doing their best through Drug Awareness Workshops and training for Community Leaders.

While it can no longer be denied that Drugs and Substance Abuse which include marijuana, alcohol and tobacco is a real and emerging issue in our schools, Senikarawa says the root of the problem lies within our communities.

Senikarawa says they are training teachers and community leaders to identify people and students who are at risk of maybe sexual, emotional or physical abuse.

He says even for teachers it is really important considering the growing number of cases of drug and substance abuse which has been a common disciplinary problem in schools.

Cigarette smoking continues to top the list of drug and substance abuse cases recorded in schools around the country with 144 cases last year.

26 cases of student smoking or found with marijuana were recorded in schools last year with four cases in primary schools.

30 cases of glue sniffing were also recorded in schools last year.