NCJ Number
119688
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (July-September 1983) Pages: 33-40
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the salient points extracted from the responses of 67 Governments to a survey of national drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes.
Abstract
Results of the survey indicated that heavy reliance was placed on control and drug law enforcement to reduce the availability of illicit drugs. Some concern was expressed over the possibility that drug information or education that was not carefully conceived or directed at specific targets might encourage experimentation. There was little in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of either preventive or treatment measures that had been undertaken, but an essential feature of successful preventive and treatment work was the involvement of voluntary organizations, families, communities, and groups of "high-risk" youth. A few responses indicated that the maintenance of heroin or other opiate addicts had been successful in reducing drug related crime and other undesirable behavior. Preventive education was most effective when presented within the context of health education and similar studies within the curriculum of schools and universities, and school programs were more effective when they involved communities. Shortages of trained staff and other resources were frequently mentioned as inhibiting factors. However, a considerable effort had been made to train medical personnel and those likely to come into professional contact with persons at risk. (Author abstract modified)