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

NATIONAL
It is difficult to get a clear picture of current patterns and trends in drug use in the absence
of well-designed epidemiological studies. Data is, however, collected through several national
and local cross-sectional studies, and institutional data systems have shown interesting
results in a number of areas, including the following:
● Different drugs are available in different regions of the country, with cannabis and alcohol
being the most widely abused drugs
● Ecstasy is rarely consumed in night-clubs in large cities
● Most drug use occurs in the male population, but a significant increase in the use of tobacco,
alcohol and hashish use among women has been witnessed
● The progressive introduction of heroin and cocaine into large urban cities, accompanied by
a consistent decrease in sale price
● The fact that heroin and cocaine are mostly sniffed
● The predominance of inhalant use among street children
● Great levels of psychiatric co-morbidity with cannabis and alcohol use among the population
receiving psychiatric care
“The actions were
perfectly integrated
in a more
comprehensive and
global plan in favour
of street children”
There is great concern regarding street children and inhalant abuse in Morocco. These children
live in poor conditions, in large urban areas. The prevalence of inhalant abuse is steadilyincreasing.
Children in poor conditions receive a considerable amount of support through specific
programmes. These programmes are run by NGOs, most of which are desperately in need
of technical assistance in tackling the drug abuse problem among this population.
Studies show that as high a proportion as 90% of street children have experienced inhalant
use in the past, and that point prevalence of inhalant abuse could be as high as 65%.
Aims:
To provide educators and social workers with an Arabic, socially-sensitive tool to
enhance their ability and skills for the elaboration, conduct and evaluation of preventive
actions in the field of drug abuse prevention amongst children living in poor
conditions. The project also set out to identify, involve and network highly experienced
professionals in the field of drug abuse prevention.
Main activities:
● Ownership and the raising of awareness amongst stakeholders: All stakeholders,
including the Government, NGOs and the media, were made aware of the project from the
beginning. A steering group was formed, and practical help was provided. The University was
selected to run this project due to its status as a widely-respected agency.
● Deciding on the appropriate resources: It was decided that an existing manual would be
used to train relevant NGO staff. Following an evaluation for validity and relevance of the manual
for its use in Morocco and other Arab countries, a manual developed by the WHO and the
Mentor Foundation was chosen. 2
● Adapting the chosen manual: This document was translated and culturally adapted to the
Arab context. This was carried out in collaboration with other agencies and experts in the field
of drug abuse prevention in the Arab region. The process of translation initially involved
professionals with good linguistic knowledge and with drug abuse prevention expertise;
academics were then recruited to refine the text of the reviewed version. A very simple and
easy-to-read writing style was chosen in order to make the manual accessible to those working
with children in poor conditions.
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● Training relevant NGO staff: Once the manual was available for use in the Arab region,
training sessions were given to relevant NGO staff and practitioners on how to use the manual.
Sources: 2 WHO & The Mentor Foundation. 1999. Young people and substance use: a manual. Create, use and
evaluate educational materials and activities. WHO, Geneva.