Social Policies against Drug Abuse in Italy: An Overview and Evaluation

Abstract

Continuously changing social drug policies pose problems in presenting an homogeneous picture of the current situation in Italy. The Consolidation Act was passed three years ago, and in 1993 a national referendum substantially modified the 1989 law. Goals have been reached regarding coordination of repressive action at an international level, and a National Fund for the Fight against Drugs was established. Efforts have been made to coordinate a unitary, although not standardized, policy among different authorities involved in anti-drug activities. A prevention “culture” has been implemented, recognizing the basic role of the family in primary education, increasing activities from the first years of school, as well as improving programs for educators at the university level. Great efforts are also being made to achieve better coordination in the field among the various social services. Monitoring studies are in development.