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

A CASE FOR DRUG
ABUSE PREVENTION
on its own for most target groups. The focus has hence shifted onto reducing and
limiting risk factors. The strengthening of protective factors has also gained prominence
and has proven to be at least as important as the reduction of risk, in that it
gives people opportunities, abilities, skills and the capacity to make informed choices.
Box 2
Risk Factors and Protective Factors
“The focus has hence
shifted onto reducing and
limiting risk factors.”
Risk Factors:
Risk factors increase an individualís risk of taking drugs. The World Drug Report 2000 lists various
contributing risk factors:
● family risk factors (family disruption, criminality and drug abuse in the family, ineffective supervision)
● peer networks (friends and peers are important in providing opportunities for drug use and
supporting this behaviour)
● social factors (poor school attendance, poor school performance, early drop-out)
environmental influences (availability of drugs, social rules, values and norms regarding tobacco,
alcohol and illicit drug use)
● individual factors (low self-esteem, poor self-control, inadequate social coping skills, sensation
seeking, depression, anxiety and stressful life events)
Protective Factors:
Protective factors are those characteristics of individuals or their environment which reduce the likelihood
of experimentation with drugs:
● family factors (bonding and positive relationships with at least one caregiver outside the immediate
family, high and consistent parental supervision)
● educational factors (high education aspirations, good teacher-student relationships)
● individual characteristics (high self-esteem, low impulsivity, high degree of motivation)
● personal and social competence (feeling in control of oneís life, optimism, willingness to seek
support)
Source: UNDCP: World Drug Report. 2000
“It is reasonable to suppose
that broad social policy
initiatives to address these
factors or determinants
may also contribute to
reducing substance abuse
in the population.”
A body of international research has shown that the general health status of a society
is heavily influenced by the social circumstances of its people as defined by employment,
income, working conditions, educational levels, social status, the degree of
social support experienced, and early childhood nourishment and care. There are indications
that as the social circumstances of a society improve, so too does the health of
the population. 4 It is reasonable to suppose that broad social policy initiatives to address
these factors or determinants may also contribute to reducing substance abuse in the
population.
2.1.2 Consequences of drug abuse
The consequences of drug abuse are extensive and include conditions such as intoxication,
harmful use, dependence and psychotic disorders. Drug abuse does not only
affect particular individuals, but can also have a significant impact on families, friends
and - eventually - the whole community. This next section summarises some of the
consequences that can occur, affecting the individual, family and friends, and the
community.
i. The individual
Health problems caused by drug abuse include ill effects on the foetus during pregnancy,
problems in physical development, psychological problems and depression,
problems in the already difficult adolescent phase of development, low achievement at
school, increased strains on relationships and other diseases such as coronary heart
disease and cancer. Problematic drug use also affects an individual's employability.
10
4 Evans, RG, Barer ML, Marmor, TR (eds.). 1994. Why are some people healthy and others not? The determinants
of health of populations. Aldine De Gruyter, New York, NY.