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

INTERNATIONAL
fieldwork, remarkably little is known about the social impact of drug abuse in
Caribbean communities. A clear lesson of the IDER programme was that such social
impact, especially on drug–and crime–affected communities, needs to be clearly
defined in order for appropriate responses to be developed.
● Combining HIV/AIDS and drug prevention education increases the impact of
prevention messages: As the resources dedicated to drug abuse prevention are less
than the resources dedicated to HIV/AIDS prevention, and the prevention strategies are
similar and often target the same at-risk groups, the impact of prevention messages
increases through combining efforts.
“I am proud that my
community is taking
ownership of new
programmes that are
being introduced.
We are encouraged
to volunteer and
become leaders in
our communities.”
(Angela 26 year-old teacher)
●Programmes delivered in conjunction with a National Government encourage
coordination and cooperation between local Governments, education and
health authorities: This makes the service more accessible. The decentralisation of
services coordinated by the national government increases the likelihood of sustained
national financial support for IDER activities as it leaves the project realm and becomes
a systematic model (i.e. continued by the community).
● Integrating the efforts of public and civil society institutions brings about
social change and a decrease in the demand for drugs: Placing the responsibility
for demand reduction on the public sector alone is not a viable approach, as many
organisations work outside this realm. In some countries and communities, public
services are deficient, and civil society fills the void through informal mechanisms,
which must also be utilised.
● By providing practical skills and tools, and encouraging communities to build
the motivation and political will required to make positive changes, social, economic
and institutional structures can be improved: Such structures, once
strengthened, are seen as a credible reference point that the community can turn
to. In communities where local Government and services are often characterised by
inefficiency, the provision of basic skills and tools can greatly improve the image of an
institution or structure. Once they begin to benefit from the services, people will
naturally carry out the necessary marketing by word-of-mouth.
● The IDER programme increases skills, potential employment and leisure
opportunities: A holistic approach is taken in the Caribbean, recognising the risk factors
in society and attempting to address them by providing alternative opportunities
to drug abuse.
● A community-wide participatory and partnership approach: Demand reduction
strategies have been increasingly successful as collaborations. Many have been formed
between Governments, NGOs, parents, teachers, health professionals, youth and
community organisations, workers' organisations and the private sector.
● National Adaptation: The great strength of the IDER programme is that it takes
into account the specific cultural environment in which the programmes are to be
implemented.
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