NCJ Number
119655
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 37 Issue: 2 and 3 Dated: (April-September 1985) Pages: 3-4
Date Published
1985
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Regional commissions planning the United Nations International Youth Year (1985) suggested prevention, rehabilitation, and research as measures to combat drug abuse among youth.
Abstract
Regarding drug abuse prevention, most participants in the regional meetings agreed that police action, imprisonment, and scare tactics are not effective long-term strategies for addressing the juvenile drug problem. Preventive education was recommended as the primary mechanism. An extensive information campaign designed to meet juveniles' needs in the context of their social conditions was recommended. Publications and audiovisuals on drug addiction should be prepared for target groups such as secondary school pupils, university students, and out-of-school youth. Drug programs should be further publicized through the mass media. Such programs, however, should be selected and prepared to avoid increasing youths' curiosity to experiment with drugs. With the extensive communication network between the International Youth Year secretariat and the national coordinating committees, the International Youth Year can have a useful role in encouraging the development of appropriate information programs for youth at the local and national levels. Special attention should be given to the training of young drug addicts to facilitate their integration into a productive life, and research on drug abuse is important for both prevention and rehabilitation, notably studies on the nature and extent of drug abuse as well as factors causing drug abuse.