Drug abuse in the United States: strategies for prevention
Article Abstract:
Attempts at prevention of drug abuse, including alcohol and tobacco, have generally been aimed at decreasing supply or reducing demand. Some of the factors that seem to predict who will abuse drugs include antisocial behavior in childhood, dysfunctional family situations, failure in school (particularly in the middle and late elementary years), peer pressure, individual personality traits and attitudes, and genetic factors (recent studies have suggested that a significant number of alcoholics have at least one alcoholic parent). Goals for prevention of drug abuse include preventing abuse, preventing nonmedical use of drugs, and delay of the onset of use, as studies have shown that the earlier the onset of use, the greater the likelihood of frequent use. Preventive efforts in the past have often focused on providing factual knowledge to individuals, in the belief that knowledge will prevent use, but this approach does not decrease drug abuse. Providing youth with the skills to resist peer pressure, and enhancing their life skills in general seem to hold promise in preventing drug abuse. Some authorities suggest that punitive measures are necessary to deter drug use. Federal efforts are aimed at reducing supply of drugs, with increased funding and scope of various agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency. As more recognition is given to the fact that efforts to reduce supply of drugs will be of little use until the demand for drugs has been reduced, more funding is being allocated to reducing demand, chiefly through block grants to states for drug treatment programs and education. The American Medical Association Board of Trustees has made several recommendations in an effort to aid the national anti-drug agenda, including increasing funding of studies to identify persons at risk of drug abuse, increased community support of drug prevention programs, encouragement of programming and advertising agencies to devise more useful drug prevention messages, and support of efforts to develop a national consensus among the separate agencies attempting to address the issues of drug abuse. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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The IOM report and public health
Article Abstract:
Public health is a field of medicine that is concerned with maintaining, protecting and improving the health of the community. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released a report summarizing the scope of modern public health programs, listing the public health-related activities of the American Medical Association (AMA), and making recommendations about the cooperation of practicing physicians and public health workers. Physicians, nurses, sanitarians, administrators, engineers and others are united to prevent disease and promote public health. Since public health activities involve workers from many professions, a united effort is needed to prevent disease and promote good health. The American Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs reviewed the IOM report entitled "The Future of Public Health" and made some recommendations. The IOM report includes a list of the major health problems that currently concern public health professionals. Significant improvements in public health have already been made in the US during the past several decades. Committees should be formed to facilitate consultation between physicians in private practice and public health. These groups can provide insights and maximize efforts to handle current public health issues, including Alzheimer's disease, AIDS education, and environmental concerns. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Global Health at the Crossroads: Surgeon General's Report on the 50th World Health Assembly
Article Abstract:
American doctors should cooperate with the initiatives of the World Health Organization (WHO). The increase in personal travel and international trade has led to an increased risk of communicable diseases, contaminated food and bioterrorism. WHO has made substantial progress in reducing the incidence of disease in the developing world. WHO marked its 50th anniversary in May, 1998 and proposed a series of initiatives. They include increasing life expectancy, eliminating malaria, reducing the use of tobacco, equalizing healthcare throughout the world and ensuring universal access to quality health care.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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