Public health: Community action programme 1996-2000 on the prevention of drug dependence

In adopting the recommendation for second reading by Mr BURTONE (PPE, I), Parliament approved the proposal with the following amendments: -it reiterated its attachment to the multidimensional character of the drug problem and pointed out that it was essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, -it also pointed out that the prime objective of the programme was to enhance awareness of the drugs problem, that it should contribute to improving recognition of risk situations, and early detection, and that drug addicts were above all people with a health problem, -it called on the Commission to: . encourage participation in the implementation of the programme by NGOs, public and private bodies, volunteers and therapy or social welfare communities; . undertake measures to ensure liaison between the Drugs Monitoring Centre and the NGOs; . alone ensure consistency and complementarity between this programme and other relevant Community programmes, in order to help maximize the effectiveness of the programme; . in the Annexes, it called for actions promoting: . medical and psycho-social assistance to drug addicts aimed at reducing dependence and ending the drug habit, . preventive strategies aimed at users and potential users, . socio-preventive measures that influence the social causes of drug use (social exclusion, etc. . measures at grassroots level designed to benefit risk groups, . assistance to the relatives or guardians of drug addicts and aid for the reintegration and training of drug addicts (in particular, through employment), . support in the relevant environments such as schools, universities, etc. and encouragement of dialogue with young people (including programmes for young children confronted with the drugs scene). Particular attention must be paid to the prison environment, which may foster drug dependence; . drug dependence prevention through the intermediary of voluntary organizations and other therapy communities. �