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

INTERNATIONAL
There are currently efforts being spearheaded by CARICOM (Caribbean Community) at
the regional level to have the region approach drug abuse prevention from an integral
platform. CARICOM has, however, endorsed the IDER approach and considered it as
one of seven priority areas for a regional response to reduce the influence of drug
trafficking and abuse. At the national level, national drug councils exist to co-ordinate
drug demand reduction activities.
The IDER project has targeted economically depressed communities or neighbourhoods
where poverty has acted as a gateway to the involvement of individuals in drug trafficking
and drug abuse. In fact, many of the individuals involved in the programme gained
stature in communities where social service networks were deficient; the empowerment
of individuals acted as a means of drug abuse prevention within the community.
Aims:
The aim of the IDER programme is to sensitise and mobilise the community to address and
resolve the underlying social dysfunction that increases its vulnerability to drug abuse.
Integrated Demand Reduction (IDER) is a programmatic concept aiming to empower
communities. The very best of national policies will have a limited effect if they are not
put into action in cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods. The IDER programme is
essentially a community development programme, delivered by national governments
in cooperation with UNDCP, which is used as a vehicle to create the social changes
necessary to reduce demand for drugs. Strategies to bring about social change, and
therefore a reduction in drug demand, must combine the efforts of both public and
civil-society institutions. 2
“In school I learned
that drugs are a big
problem, and that
everybody in the
community needs to
help fight against
drug abuse.”
(Sarah, 17 year-old student)
Main activities:
● Assessing the Community: Communities are usually assessed on the basis of risk
factors or potential risk factors. According to their assessment, communities are
classified into different levels of risk, i.e. low, medium and high risk. This classification
is based on the level of structure within the community, its ability to use structured
intervention strategies, its awareness and recognition of drug problems, etc. The classification
determines what kind of prevention response might be adopted.
● Writing an Action Plan: An Action Plan is written, developed and implemented by
the community itself. The aim of the Action Plan is to sensitise and mobilise the
community to address and resolve the underlying social dysfunctions that increase its
vulnerability to drugs.
● Introducing multi-faceted strategies to increase people's knowledge and
social conscience:
● The training of social agents – teachers, youth promoters, welfare officers, community
leaders, medical personnel, social workers – as prevention agents.
● The promotion and strengthening of youth organisations.
● The establishment of continuous prevention programmes in schools in both curricular
and extra-curricular activities.
● The creation of information centres for citizens on the prevention and treatment of
drug abuse problems.
● Promotion of, and assistance for, self-help groups for drug abusers
● The mobilisation of the media against drug abuse.
Sources: 2 UNDCP Caribbean Regional Office. January 2002. The Community Fights Back: The Implementation of
Integrated Demand Reduction Programmes in the Caribbean.Bridgetown, Barbados.
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