The global drug problem has three major themes, which are clearly discernible in most countries around the world: concern about young people and drugs; concern about addiction; and concern about the effects of the illegal production, trafficking, and selling of drugs (Backer T., 2000). During last five to seven years in most countries two major policy and programming approaches are used to deal with these three primary concerns about drug use: the criminal justice model, which is used to stop or control drug use; and the public health model, based on harm reduction, which is used to reduce the health problems among drug users that are caused by the drugs they use (Chamberlain, R. 2000).
It is true that substance abuse prevention programs pay lip service to proper use of over-the-counter medications and medically supervised prescription drugs, programs place major emphasis on illicit drug use, particularly alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Policymakers and drug control advocates claim that these substances are "gateway drugs" and first steps on a slippery slope to more dangerous drugs and drug fads (Simpson DD, 2002).
These policies and perspectives exert great pressure on teachers and parents. Teachers and parents must parrot strong abstinence and drug control messages. Implicitly and explicitly, these messages assert that all drug users inevitably become enslaved by demonic forces, and that all drugs and drug use are invariably evil, dangerous, and inherently damaging. Just as in the days of the alcohol prohibition movement, the cry is that the Devil is in our midst and must be eradicated.
I believe community role is important in substance abuse prevention and empowerment because it teaches self regulation or control over one's behavior and the environment. It may be more possible in communities that have experienced some success in mediation, community development, and other basic roles.......
