The secretariat is the administrative arm of the National Council on Drug Abuse and has the responsibility for the day-to-day coordination and monitoring of the National Plan on Drug and Substance Abuse (Alcohol) Prevention and Control.

The functions of the National Council through its Secretariat are as follows:

• The review and monitoring of the conditions in Jamaica, and regionally, with respect to drugs which are being or which appear likely to be misused with likely harmful effects which are likely to constitute a social problem
• Undertaking measures which, in the opinion of the Council, are necessary for the prevention and misuse of drugs, and for dealing with any social problems arising from the misuse of such drugs.
• Considering matters referred to it concerning drug use and abuse, and advising thereon.