Why does the problem of drug consumption continue to grow in the Americas?

Washington, DC, June 13, 2002 (PAHO) -- The countries of the Americas face a dilemma: their young people continue to use drugs and the rates are growing. Why can't that trend be reversed? What encourages young people to consume addictive substances? The problem is not limited to youth alone, but in the case of new generations the rate of drug use is more alarming.

Addiction and related diseases wreak ever-growing havoc on the health and well being of the population of the entire world. According to World Health Organization (WHO) studies, global trends reflect a general increase in the use of illegal addictive drugs and alcohol abuse and disturbing increases among the youngest sectors of the population.

Both industrialized countries and developing countries face similar situations with regard to notable increases in the use of inhalants and hallucinogens in young people from 12 to 17 years old, particularly among street children, indigenous youth, and other marginalized adolescents. Substances such as heroin, opiates, cocaine, and alcohol are also being used at higher levels.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), alarmed by the situation, is promoting the development and adoption of policies, programs, and norms to control the use of tobacco and other dependency drugs. Its vision with respect to addictions is holistic in several senses: it goes to the causes of the problem and tries to involve all sectors of society in prevention. PAHO experts regard addiction as a whole, since some drugs lead to others once vulnerability in individuals is created. PAHO also works with the countries to design prevention campaigns that are comprehensive and specific to different types of addiction.

PAHO experts say that nicotine, a powerful addictive substance, serves as "drug of entry" that leads to the use and abuse of addictive substances such as alcohol and other drugs. For example, in the United States, household survey data reveal that the rate of illegal drug use among young people who smoke and consume alcohol increased from 32 percent in 1996 to 43 percent in 1997. A detailed analysis showed that the only increase in drug use during that period occurred among adolescent smokers and alcohol consumers, PAHO experts said in a publication, Tobacco-Free youth.

PAHO is paying particular attention to health problems resulting from psychoactive substance use, and epidemiologic studies of the problem, since the rapid growth in alcoholism, tobacco use, and substance abuse has surprised many experts and overwhelmed country capacities to respond efficiently.

Both in developing and industrialized countries, young people face many choices and challenges, PAHO experts say. They are exposed to very persuasive messages for alcohol and tobacco, for example, through communications media. These messages are often more persuasive that traditional family values and can have a greater influence on lifestyle choices, they note.

"In the majority of societies, family and school continue to be the principal means of emotional support and are necessary for healthy development of young people. But psychosocial pressure caused by rapid cultural change and conflicting messages can lead young people to distance themselves from influences that traditionally protected them," the PAHO publication notes.

Experts theorize that traditional mechanisms that transmit healthy life skills and values perhaps can no longer balance adequately the power of other, often negative influences, young people are exposed to.

Children and young people in difficult environments or difficult circumstances are more vulnerable, experts believe, and have greater probabilities of continuing or even increasing consumption of addictive substances and developing related problems.

Early start and continuous use of illegal substances is more probable among young people in communities with poor quality of life and where children do not receive constant support or have low educational aspirations. It is also more likely, experts say, where people are not closely involved in the activities of their children, have weak control or discipline, or even approve, implicitly or explicitly, drug use, and where drug use is frequent and adults take advantage of children emotionally, physically or sexually.

The common denominator among children and young people who have substance abuse problems is that they are more vulnerable that peers who live in more welcoming environments. They often have few or no positive role models and tend to be marginalized within their communities. Their communities tend not to have resources available to prevent or treat addictions, and they have fewer possibilities of acquiring healthy life skills.

PAHO, which also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization, was established in 1902 and is the oldest health organization in the world. It works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and raise the living standards of their people.

Related Information:
PAHO BOOK: Drug Abuse