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Print media is one of the key factors for defining public opinion and setting public policies regarding drugs. Therefore, surveying its content should provide us with a better understanding of the situation. The few existing surveys on this issue in Brazil point out discrepancies between print media and public health. The objective of the present survey is to enhance the analysis of drug-related stories in the Brazilian print media, based on a new time frame, in the year 2000. Major newspapers and magazines of all Brazilian state capitals have been surveyed throughout year 2000, with 4,669 stories presenting drugs as their main topic. A random sample of 964 stories underwent content analysis. Approximately half the stories (49.6%) dealt with smuggling- and repression-related issues. The remainder of the stories (50.4%) approached health, legislation, and public policy issues. Tobacco was the most widely discussed drug, with stories focusing mainly on damage caused by use and on measures for reducing consumption rates among the population. Articles about cocaine, also featured frequently in the print media, dealt mainly with the issues of drug dealing and of damage caused by cocaine use. Regarding marijuana, in addition to the law enforcement repressive approach, some articles dealt with decriminalization and therapeutic use. Articles about alcoholic beverages, featured less frequently in the print media, approached the subject matter from various angles. The number of stories on solvents and psychotropic medication was negligible. The results confirm discrepancies between print media coverage and epidemiology. They also indicate that each drug is approached differently, allowing for a better understanding of the “social climate” in Brazil regarding each drug. Of all possible social interventions for dealing with the issue repression stands out, whereas stories about treatment and damage reduction are relatively scarce. These findings suggest the need for improved communication between journalists and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected international drug control plans, projects, and programs will be reviewed in terms of the individual and systemic "actors" (initiators, facilitators-promoters, barriers, recipients), places, underlying assumptions, critical conditions and "demands," and outcomes (short and long term). Unresolved issues will be noted. Key Word: Drug availability; Drug consumption; Drug control; Drug "demands;" Drug prices; Drug production; Drug seizures; Double counting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses semi-structured interviews to examine the attitudes and values of Peruvian coca growers toward coca leaf and cocaine basic paste (CBP) consumption and its distribution. The subjects of the study were 186 coca growers from Peruvian jungle valleys who are involved in illegal commercialization of coca leaf and cocaine paste production. Data collected in 1994 reveal that growers consider coca leaf to be a most profitable product and a unique opportunity to improve their quality of life. Although growers acknowledge that a problem exists among local users, they do not assume any responsibility for CBP consumption and dissemination in rural areas. This leads to the conclusion that awareness of a CBP consumption problem is not enough for growers to stop drug production; they need consistent training in social values, as well as support in legal and economic alternatives. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.] The Center of Information and Education to Prevent Drug Use is a Peruvian non governmental organization focused on the field of drug abuse prevention. CEDRO has developed an integrative model of drug abuse prevention which includes peer-based community programs, family training and leaders involvement. CEDRO's philosophy states that drug abuse is related to poverty, poor quality of life and lack of educational and laboral opportunities. Therefore, its actions are not only focused on the improvement of health and education but also on the promotion of employment in the context of democracy and human rights. CEDRO, as a non governmental organization is mainly supported by international funds (USAID, NAS-U.S.; Kellogg, the European Union, GTZ of Germany, ODA of the United Kingdom), as well as by other private and local sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]