Harm reduction programs and use and abuse of recreational drugs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20882/adicciones.470Keywords:
youth, new patterns of substance use, Harm-ReductionAbstract
The objective of this paper is to propose and describe the harm reduction programs employed in the use/abuse of club drugs following the recommendations of the General Direction on Drug Dependence and AIDS of the Generalitat of Catalunya. The most employed interventions were carried out in party venues in Catalonia, and made through peer-to-peer methodology in which young educators provide information and support to those desiring it. All these interventions are based on the needs-assessment information provided to us by the Observatory of New Substance Use Amongst Youth in Catalonia. Their main objective is to create dialogue and consensus amongst all concerned with “Safe Club Going” (administrations, club owners, youth, etc.). In this way we want to promote amongst youth a culture of responsible club going and to reduce the direct and indirect risks of substance use in party spaces. In conclusion, in this article we propose that interventions in the new drug use pattern among young people should be undertaken from a Harm-Reduction Approach. This means respecting and understanding that substance use is a part of leisure time activities in our society; and that leisure time is a key element in the building of one’s identity/ for young people.References
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