Treatment services are available at the Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Branch located at the J&G Commercial & Professional Center in Hagatna. For more information call (671) 475-5438 or 5448 or the Crisis hotline at (671) 647-8833.
Guam’s Substance Abuse Epidemiological Profile provides a comprehensive overview and the latest statistics of substance abuse trends on Guam. Additional information can be found online www.peaceguam.org or contact the PEACE office at (671) 477-9079 thru 83.
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse is in the process of establishing a Fee for Services, but currently does not charge for services rendered. Individuals without insurance and with limited or no income will be served.
DMHSA’s Prevention and Training Branch has a RADAR room that is equipped with educational brochures, fact sheets, and other helpful information on almost all drugs. For additional information, call the PEACE office at 477-9079 thru 83 or visit www.peaceguam.org.
Seeking treatment for substance abuse is the responsibility of the individual, however family members are also encouraged to seek treatment for themselves whether or not the individual refuses or discontinues receiving services.
Read all the available educational materials on the known signs and symptoms of drug use. Possible indicators include a significant change in attitude and behavior. When in doubt, ask. Should the child deny drug use, parents must state what they’ve observed and express why they are concerned.
Maintain open communications; be clear with the rules of “no use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs”. Be aware of the child’s whereabouts and circle of friends and acquaintances.
Alcohol is a depressant that is in liquid form made by fermenting or distilling grains that is found in beer, wine, and liquor. It is an illegal substance for individuals below age 18.
Underage drinking on Guam is an individual under the age of 18 that consumes alcohol. It is against the law for underage people to drink alcohol.
Alcohol affects every part of your body and impairs a person’s physical, emotional and cognitive abilities. It is carried through the bloodstream to the brain, stomach, internal organs, liver, kidneys and muscles. It is absorbed very quickly (as short as 5-10 minutes) and can stay in the body for several hours.
Excessive drinking, such as heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems such as: liver disease, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and alcohol abuse or dependence. Excessive alcohol use also leads to risky behaviors such as motor-vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, burns, and violence such as child abuse, homicide and suicide.
Binge drinking is the consumption of large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time; for males it may mean having 4 or more drinks and females having 3 or more drinks on a single occasion (NIAAA Newsletter 2004).