PDF (Lessons learned in drug abuse prevention: a global review)

INTRODUCTION
“Prevention programmes
are more likely to be
successful if they
combine the results of
scientific research with
practical applicability
and the lessons learned
from the 'real world
business' of doing drug
abuse prevention
work.”
In recent years there has been an increased move to develop prevention programmes
and approaches that are evidence based. Prevention programmes are more likely to be
successful if they combine the results of scientific research with practical applicability
and the lessons learned from the 'real world business' of doing drug abuse prevention
work. Research can point to general principles and considerations for programme
design. However, one difficulty is that much of the evidence on the effectiveness of
drug abuse prevention is based on studies conducted in western settings. Not all the
results will be applicable in other regions of the world. Practitioners involved in fieldtesting
programme models can offer important practical advice on implementing and
sustaining programmes. It remains to be seen to what extent the lessons learned
identified in this report can be effectively applied in the context of developing, as well
as developed, countries.
Box 1
The Political Declaration
The Political Declaration adopted by the UN member states at the General Assembly Special Session
on the World Drug Problem in 1998 recognises that drug demand reduction is indispensable in
solving the drug problem. Member states committed themselves to:
● establishing the year 2003 as a target date for new or enhanced drug demand reduction
strategies and programmes
● achieving significant and measurable results in the field of demand reduction by the year 2008
● introducing in their national programmes and strategies the following provisions set out in the
Declaration on the Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction:
The Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction
● An integrated approach to solving the drug problem should be adopted and should consist of a
balance between drug demand reduction and supply reduction
● Demand reduction policies shall:
- aim at preventing the use of drugs and adverse consequences of drug abuse
- provide for and encourage active and coordinated participation of individuals at the community level
- be sensitive to both culture and gender
- contribute towards developing and sustaining supportive environments
● Demand reduction strategies should be based on a regular assessment of the nature and magnitude
of drug abuse and drug-related problems in the population
● Demand reduction programmes should cover all areas of prevention, from discouraging initial
use to reducing the negative health and social consequences of drug abuse
● A community-wide participatory and partnership approach is crucial to the accurate assessment
of the problem, the identification of viable solutions and the formulation and implementation of
appropriate policies and programmes
● Demand reduction efforts should be integrated into broader social welfare and health promotion
policies and preventive education programmes
● Demand reduction programmes should be designed to address the needs of the population in
general, as well as those of specific population groups, with special attention being paid to youth
● Information utilised in educational and prevention programmes should be clear, scientifically
accurate and reliable, culturally valid, timely, and tested with a target population
● States should place appropriate emphasis on training policy makers, programme planners
and practitioners in all aspects of the design, execution and evaluation of demand reduction
programmes and strategies
● Demand reduction strategies and specific activities should be thoroughly evaluated to assess and
improve their effectiveness. The results of these evaluations should be shared.
2
Source: Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Countering the World Drug Problem Together, 8-10
June 1998: Political Declaration; Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction; and Measures to Enhance
International Cooperation to Counter the World Drug Problem