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

OVERVIEW
About half of all Governments reporting noted that employment agencies were
involved at national level in the formulation and implementation of a demand reduction
strategy. The link, in many countries, between drug abuse, social exclusion and
economic deprivation, is noteworthy; as is the considerable reported input from civil
society. Such input is in accordance with the Declaration on the Guiding Principles of
Drug Demand Reduction, which refers to the importance of forging partnerships
between governmental and non-governmental bodies.
The emphasis placed by the Guiding Principles on assessment and on the adoption of
an evidence-based approach was noted earlier. Those principles also hold true for
national strategies. 69% of Governments with national strategies reported having a
framework in place for assessing and reporting the results achieved. Whilst the mechanisms
used for that purpose are likely to vary considerably in practice, a recognition
of the need for evaluation and assessment remains important for the majority of countries
that have developed demand reduction strategies.
The BRQ addressed the topic of assessment in detail. Approximately two thirds (62%)
of all Governments completing the questionnaire reported that they had a national or
regional programme that included research on drug demand reduction.
Numerous possible topics are relevant to research work on drug issues, and many
scientific disciplines are actively involved in such research. Of particular interest, however,
to activities designed to follow up the special session, and of clear policy
relevance, is the extent of drug abuse in a given country and its associated patterns
and trends. Drug epidemiology and prevention were cited by responding Governments
as the two areas where most research was currently being conducted. Of direct policy
relevance is investment in prevention, treatment and epidemiological research.
Extent of drug prevention activities
The Declaration on the Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction calls on
Governments to adopt a comprehensive approach to drug problems through programmes
addressing all areas of demand reduction. In the BRQ, the extent to which
Governments are engaging in activities in each area of demand reduction is assessed.
In this regard, Governments are asked to report whether they are conducting prevention
programmes in a number of different settings. In assessing the delivery of activities, it
is important to understand how comprehensive the approach is in terms of coverage.
Drug abuse prevention activities are broken down into the following three general
areas of work: information and education about drugs and drug abuse; life skills development;
and the provision of alternatives to drug use. Governments are asked to rate
the extent of activities in various settings. The data suggest that most prevention work
is occurring in schools and involves providing information. It should be remembered,
however, that there is a tendency for both life skills development and alternatives to
drug use to be targeted at particular populations considered to be at risk, rather than
to be seen as necessary or appropriate approaches for the general population. They
may also be more complex and costly to implement than activities providing information
only. This may account in part for the more extensive reporting of information and
drug education work as prevention activities.
Information and education
68% of Governments reported relatively extensive school-based drug education programmes,
whilst just over half also reported extensive community-based education
programmes. Slightly less than half (40%) noted extensive prevention programmes in
health centres. Education programmes in the correctional system and in the workplace
were the least reported types. This finding is disappointing, because both settings may
be particularly appropriate for drug abuse prevention work.
“Whilst the mechanisms
used for that purpose
are likely to vary
considerably in practice,
a recognition of the
need for evaluation and
assessment remains
important for the majority
of countries that have
developed demand
reduction strategies.”
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