Annexes to COM(1994)223-2 - Programme of Community action on the prevention of drug dependence within the framework for action in the field of public health (1995-2000) - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(1994)223-2 - Programme of Community action on the prevention of drug dependence within the framework for action in the field of public ... |
|---|---|
| document | COM(1994)223  |
| date | December 16, 1996 |
PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY ACTION ON THE PREVENTION OF DRUG DEPENDENCE
A. DATA, RESEARCH, EVALUATION
Objective
To improve knowledge of the phenomenon of drugs and drug dependence and its consequences and of means and methods of preventing drug dependence and the risks relating thereto, in particular by using the information supplied by the EDMC and the possibilities offered by existing Community programmes and instruments.
Actions
1. Help identify the data to be collected, analysed and disseminated for the purposes of the programme, including data on polysubstance dependence.
2. Exploit the data most useful for the implementation of the programme, on the basis in particular of a regular communication of the work of the EDMC.
3. Help develop a strategy for research on the prevention of drug dependence, in particular to improve knowledge as regards the impact in the public health sphere of policies targeting drug users and on the effects of drugs and the use of appropriate techniques for preventive purposes.
4. Support studies and pilot projects on the socio-economic, socio-cultural and psycho-sociological factors associated with drug dependence, including in target groups.
5. Support studies and actions and promote the exchange of experience on ways and means of preventing the risks associated with drug dependence, in particular with a view to:
- preventing, in drug-dependent pregnant women, the effects of drugs on the foetus and the risks of transmitting infections to the child,
- reducing the risks associated with the injection of drugs,
- making an assessment of accompanying health measures, in particular substitution programmes,
- evaluating methods and programmes for prevention and risk reduction in the management of drug-dependent prisoners.
6. Support and encourage the exchange of information and experience, especially among members of the various groups involved in the prevention of drug dependence, and among persons who have a long-term positive influence on drug users, such as families and guardians, on the prevention of drug addiction relapses, including rehabilitation of drug users and links between social and health aspects thereof, as well as other actions provided for in Article 4 (1) .
B. INFORMATION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Objective
Contribute to improving information, education and training aimed at preventing drug dependence and the associated risks, in particular, for young people in the relevant environments (for example home, school, university and leisure time) and particularly vulnerable groups, including former drug users.
(a) Information and health education
Actions
7. Support schemes to evaluate the effectiveness of information and health education campaigns and carry out regular public opinion surveys via Eurobarometer to monitor changes in Europeans' attitudes towards drugs.
8. Organize further European Drug Prevention Weeks on the basis of previous experience.
9. Help identify, test and develop the best information and educational tools and methods for target groups, and in particular:
- encourage the use of information tailored to particular environments or circles, taking account of changes in patterns of use and products used, and of the phenomenon of polysubstance dependence,
- support schemes to adapt messages to the needs and specific features of particularly vulnerable groups,
- support the development of telephone helpline services and consider the feasibility of introducing a single telephone number for such services in all Member States.
10. Help define guidelines on the prevention of drug abuse and foster the selection and use of teaching methods and materials, in particular within the context of the European network of health-promoting schools, enabling in particular highly specialized social behaviour programmes to be defined in order to develop attitudes in young people which will enable them to avoid drugs and drug addiction; support integrated projects, programmes and other drug prevention initiatives in places frequented by children and young people, in a close dialogue with them, with the participation wherever possible of parents and those concerned; promote recourse to the expertise of persons liable to come into contact with groups of potential users.
11. Encourage exchanges of experience on initiatives aimed at improving coordination between all those involved in the provision of education.
12. Support schemes for advising teachers, families and those responsible for young people on the early detection of the use of drugs and the action to take.
13. In cooperation with the EDMC and the Council of Europe, if need be, encourage the extension of the European network of 'test towns`, so as to promote technical cooperation on the ways and means used by these towns to reduce drug demand.
14. Support exchanges of experience, particularly on a regional cross-border basis, concerning local prevention, grassroots and street-level initiatives designed to benefit risk groups which are not always reached by conventional assistance and prevention strategies. Support exchanges of experience on prevention models and practices involving towns in different Member States which are particularly affected by the problem of drugs.
(b) Training
15. Promote initiatives to improve the drug prevention aspect of vocational training programmes for teachers and those responsible for young people and encourage exchanges of students training for the social and health-care professions, including exchanges under other Community programmes.
16. Support the development of further-training programmes, teaching materials and modules for those likely to come into contact with drug users and groups at risk, including in particular social work, health-care, police and other law-enforcement professionals; promote multidisciplinary cooperation and cooperation between the public and private sectors, including NGOs, with a view to preventing drug dependence.