NCJ Number
129731
Editor(s)
M Gossop,
M Grant
Date Published
1990
Length
141 pages
Annotation
The abuse of drugs and alcohol is an international problem which affects almost every country in the world, both developed and developing.
Abstract
Health problems and deaths associated with such abuse are due to complex interactions between the drug, the individual, and the setting in which the drug is taken. Epidemiological data point to increased drug abuse in many developing countries, particularly among young people. Patterns of drug abuse are also changing in developed countries. Opiate abuse appears to have leveled off among youth in several developed countries, but increases have occurred in the abuse of cocaine and legal drugs such as alcohol. Drug problems among the elderly are also of concern in many developed countries. Several models of drug abuse prevention exist, although a psychosocial model is suggested. One of the most widely used approaches to the prevention of some forms of drug abuse involves controlling drug production and supply and thus availability. Demand reduction strategies, however, are being given new emphasis by many governments. Treatment programs are an important part of prevention efforts, and both prevention and treatment responses must be fully exploited in the development of drug abuse programs. An important first step in drug abuse prevention is to estimate the extent of the problem. Drug abuse must be considered a total community problem and the responsibility of everyone. A list of World Health Organization publications dealing with drugs and drug abuse is included.