NCJ Number
128736
Date Published
1988
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This guide was prepared to help communities develop coordinated efforts to deal with drug and alcohol abuse by young people.
Abstract
Public concern over the use of drugs and alcohol by youth has caused many public officials and citizens to re-evaluate their position regarding this behavior. Concerned groups are developing strategies to inform, educate, and coordinate the actions of all individuals responsible for reducing substance abuse. While the use of marijuana and cocaine by young people may be central to the concerns of school administrators, alcohol remains the drug of choice by most youth. In using the community drug and alcohol assessment guide for youth, community leaders should realize there is no single set of appropriate standards. Social norms, local history and traditions, cultural and ethnic needs, specific institutional philosophies, State and local laws, and evolving case law all need to be considered when adopting an approach to drug use prevention. The guide identifies assessment questions for the community at large, health services, social services, schools (including colleges and universities), religious institutions, parents, civic groups, business and industry, government agencies, courts, law enforcement agencies, media groups, and restaurants and other entertainment businesses. A score sheet to evaluate community drug and alcohol prevention efforts is included.