Institutional attention for drug-addiction in Spain: A diagnostic evaluation of regional drug plans

Abstract

Unlike what is happening in other countries, the attention given to drug dependents in Span has experienced a progressive administrative decentralisation, with the intention of more closely matching the needs of its inhabitants. At the present time, the central, regional and local governments are responsible for this area, working in conjunction with private organisations which are becoming increasingly important. This arrangement causes great difficulty when ascertaining the actions instigated by each and every one of those involved. In order to ascertain this situation, this research combined the utilization of primary and secondary sources. As fundamental results, there are appreciable differences between regions, in both the drug use situation and the planning and implementing the corresponding policies. In this respect, there is still a long way to go to progress in designing a true strategy, with quantifiable objectives, performance indicators and meticulous evaluation. This situation coexists with common problems such as the need to improve coordination between institutions; emphasising preventive actions, involving society as a whole; the normalisation of and uniformity of treatment; the development of a social-employment integration network and the promotion of precise programmes and validated models.