Turning the Tide on Drugs in Guatemala with the Truth About Drugs
The Executive Secretariat of the Commission Against Addictions and Illicit Drug Trafficking of Guatemala takes a new approach to drug prevention—one driven by knowledge and truth.
Guatemala stands at the center of the global drug trade, acting as a funnel for narcotics headed to the United States. Drugs also reach Guatemalan streets, with children as young as seven using crack.
Leading the fight is SECCATID, the Executive Secretariat of the Commission Against Addictions and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which oversees prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration and education nationwide.
In 2021, SECCATID strengthened its national prevention strategy by launching a Drug-Free World campaign. Under the direction of SECCATID’s national prevention division, the agency integrated the program into its prevention initiative and established a network of certified trainers in all 22 departments across the country.
From its headquarters in the capital, SECCATID expanded the campaign across the country. In Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, it supported youth leadership through community projects. In Guatemala City, it provided training to soldiers, police, social workers and Boy Scouts. SECCATID teams also brought the program to an army base in Izabal, training reserve troops who support jungle patrols along the Caribbean trafficking corridor.
“I have faith that there will be a drug-free generation, one I may never meet, but I will have helped to build.”
Within three years, SECCATID and its network of volunteers delivered the program across nearly 200 institutions, reaching every province. The agency emphasized that education is the strongest weapon against addiction.
SECCATID now reports a 48 percent drop in patients seeking drug treatment at the national outpatient center over a three-year period, signaling fewer people falling into addiction.
Reflecting on the progress, SECCATID’s Demand Reduction Advisor shares, “Our successes motivate me every day. I have faith that there will be a drug-free generation, one I may never meet, but I will have helped to build. I am convinced that a better, drug-free Guatemala can be achieved.”
FACTS
20 YEARS IN NUMBERS
For the past 20 years, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has touched countless lives:
84,000
EDUCATORS & TEACHERS
empowered with
Truth About Drugs
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1,000,000,000
PEOPLE REACHED
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Truth About Drugs
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held internationally
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Truth About Drugs
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170,000,000
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distributed from the
Truth About Drugs
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