Centre for Addiction Prevention and Healthy Living

19/07/2025

🚨 Synthetic Drugs on the Rise 🚨
Law enforcement is raising concerns about the growing influx of synthetic drugs in T\&T — substances that are often more dangerous and unpredictable than traditional drugs.

At CAPAHL, we support urgent awareness and prevention efforts to protect our people from the harmful impact of substance use. Let’s stay informed and take action!

Read the full article here: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/03/23/law-enforcement-agencies-influx-of-synthetic-drugs-concerning/

A PANEL of representatives from law enforcement agencies locked in the war against illicit drugs agreed that the influx of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamines and fentanyl is a growing concern in TT and the region.

15/07/2025

Drink water throughout the day—not just when you’re thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, your brain is already starting to lag. Taking small but regular sips can make a big difference! So the next time you're feeling off, try reaching for a glass of water before anything else💦😊.

10/07/2025

🎰 Gambling is more accessible than ever in Trinidad & Tobago—on phones, in neighborhoods, even in schools. But when does it stop being fun and start becoming a problem?

Swipe to learn the signs, the risks, and where to get help.
💬 Share this to start the conversation.

10/07/2025

UWI students are applauding Prime Minister Persad‑Bissessar’s proposal to raise the legal drinking age to 21 (and 25 for gambling and ma*****na) as a way to help young people steer clear of risky coping habits. But they’re also calling for stronger mental‑health and addiction support systems to fill the gap. What are your thoughts—will this policy shape healthier futures for TT’s youth?UWI students are applauding Prime Minister Persad‑Bissessar’s proposal to raise the legal drinking age to 21 (and 25 for gambling and ma*****na) as a way to help young people steer clear of risky coping habits. But they’re also calling for stronger mental‑health and addiction support systems to fill the gap. What are your thoughts—will this policy shape healthier futures for TT’s youth? Share in the comments below!
Read full article here: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/students-welcome-changing-the-age-for-alcohol-use-6.2.2351981.4b9fd05e45

Young peo­ple are wel­com­ing the move by Prime Min­is­ter Kam­la Per­sad-Bisses­sar to in­crease the le­gal age lim­it for al­co­hol con­sump­tion from 18 to 21 and for gam­bling and us­ing mar­i­jua­na to age 25.

08/07/2025

If this sounds familiar, try hydrating but do it smarter—not harder. You don’t need to chug a gallon — just sip more often, and make hydration a habit. Your body will thank you.
Comment how many glasses you actually drink daily & tag a friend who needs this reminder. Follow .tt for more hydration and internal health tips!

07/07/2025

Trinis “hostage” to gambling? Thousands are being lured into a cycle of addiction by slot machines in bars and casinos—from free drinks and snacks to prison‑like interiors with no windows or clocks. With weekly losses hitting as high as TT $54,000, behavioural experts warn: there’s no such thing as a “controlled addiction.” Learn how our dopamine-seeking brains are at play—and why it’s time to shine a spotlight and seek solutions: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/07/06/are-trinis-addicted-to-gambling-hostage-to-one-armed-bandit/

THOUSANDS of people are being held hostage in Trinidad and Tobago by a growing gambling addiction.

30/06/2025

⚠️Protecting Our Communities Starts with Awareness ⚠️

Illegal pharmaceutical sales are endangering lives across Trinidad and Tobago according to a Guardian Media Investigation and the Pharmacy Board. This growing threat is not just a legal issue, but a serious public health concern.

Let’s stay informed, alert, and committed to protecting our families.
Read more on how authorities are fighting back and why community education is key: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/illegal-pharmaceutical-sales-putting-lives-at-risk-6.2.2344311.d7f8ba0f64

Share this to spread awareness.

Some med­ical doc­tors in T&T have been un­der­cut­ting phar­ma­cies by il­le­gal­ly sell­ing phar­ma­ceu­ti­cal drugs di­rect­ly to pa­tients, in turn, putting pa­tients’ health at risk, a Guardian Me­dia in­ves­ti­ga­tion has re­vealed.

29/06/2025

Should we ban junk food near schools?

A recent letter to the editor is calling on Trinidad and Tobago to create “healthy zones” around schools—removing sugary snacks and fast food from within a 5-mile radius. The goal? To protect our children’s health, reduce rates of obesity and NCDs, and promote better eating habits early on.

What do you think? Should this policy be implemented in T&T?

Share this post and let’s talk solutions that prioritize the next generation’s health.
Ready the full article here: https://newsday.co.tt/2025/05/27/ban-junk-food-near-schools/ #:~:text=THE%20EDITOR%3A%20Implementing%20a%20ban,promoting%20healthier%20lifestyles%20among%20students.

THE EDITOR: Implementing a ban on junk food restaurants and bars within a five-mile radius of schools is a proactive step toward promoting healthier lifestyles among students.

19/06/2025

⚠️New Study Highlights Heart Risks of Cannabis Use🚨

Did you know? According to a June 17 CNN report, using ma*****na daily may significantly increase your risk of heart disease—and even sudden cardiac death. A recent meta-analysis found:

1. A doubling of the risk of death from
cardiovascular conditions.

2. A 29% higher chance of heart attack and 20% higher stroke risk among cannabis
users.

At CAPAHL, we are committed to educating individuals of all ages about the health risks associated with substance use. One striking point highlighted in the article is that many of the patients hospitalized with heart-related disorders were young people. While discussions around cannabis often emphasize its therapeutic benefits, it’s equally important to remain informed about the potential risks.

🔍 Stay informed and make thoughtful, balanced choices for your well-being. Stay safe. Stay aware.
Read article here: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/17/health/ma*****na-heart-death-wellness
*****naisbad

Using ma*****na doubles the risk of dying from heart disease, especially from stroke and heart attacks, a large new study found.