NCJ Number
129689
Editor(s)
G Edwards,
A Arif
Date Published
1980
Length
258 pages
Annotation
A World Health Organization (WHO) study of the sociocultural aspects of global drug use is described, and guidelines for the development of appropriate policy and programs are presented.
Abstract
The drug dependence programs of the WHO are outlined together with its international collaborative efforts. Case studies of drug use around the world covering diverse incidents such as smoking opium in Thailand, heroin injection by slum dwellers in North American cities, and sniffing of solvent in Mexican cities are cited to illustrate sociocultural patterns of drug use. The study is extended to an examination of the sociocultural influence on treatment as well. Preventive approaches through reduction of demand are considered through unique and imaginative case studies in Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Japan, United States, and the United Kingdom. The case studies cited are then analyzed for principles of preventive actions that would incorporate sociocultural factors. On this basis, rational, feasible, and economical guidelines for the design of policies and programs are set out to indicate sociocultural awareness at national and local levels of planning. Current trends in thinking on drug issues and their implications are also considered.