Strategies for Prevention of Drug Abuse

Strategies Supply Reduction – – Control the manufacture and distribution of certain drugs – to prevent people from using them – Restrict or eliminate the availability – Disrupt drug trafficking, eradicate marijuana, increase tax on alcohol, decrease number of stores that sell alcohol, increase price of alcohol, fine stores that sell cigarettes

Strategies cont. Demand Reduction – Decrease demand for drugs – Activities to create positive mental attitudes, values, behaviors, and social skills – wont resort to drugs – Develop skills in decision-making, coping w/ stress and interpersonal communication Inoculation Strategy – Protect drug users against unhealthy and irresponsible drug taking behaviors – Emphasize responsible decision-making, limits on use, accountability, and etiquette

Programs Community Based – Establish youth programs, counseling, service projects (Box 15.1 p. 326) Family Based – Parent groups, increase communication Business/Industry – Employee assist. policy, health promotion program, social responsibility training School Based – Clear/fair policies, peer resistance programs, training for teachers & staff, health ed. Programs

Intervention Programs Primary – Before drug use begins – DARE, Just say NO Secondary – Early stages of drug use & abuse – Diagnosis, referral, begin treatment Tertiary – Advanced stages of drug abuse – Prevent reoccurrence – Return to normal life – need emotional, financial, and job training support

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Is this a Problem? Why or Why not? Drug testing in the workplace – Controversial, compromise civil rights (ACLU) – Prior to employment – Random tests – Special consideration tests – Reasonable suspicion

Types of Drug Testing Urinalysis – Doesnt tell pattern of use – only detects if drugs have been used recently (Box 15.7, p. 335) – Not foolproof – Not completely accurate – EMIT – Enzyme Multiplier Immunoassay Test – GC/MS – Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry Hair Analysis Sweat Test Others – FACTOR 1000, Brain Scan tests

Beat Drug Tests Fooling the Bladder Cops – –