Community energies under-evaluated: Drug initiatives on the margins

Citation

Eley Morris S & Yates R (2002) Community energies under-evaluated: Drug initiatives on the margins. Drugs and Alcohol Today, 2 (1), pp. 36-41. http://metapress.com/content/r4p7p7731363m14r/?p=fcae6b64cd7449c189d9b6876a4faf48π=5

Abstract
This article draws together an effectiveness review of community responses to drug concerns and supplementary interviews with key informants. Despite accessing nearly 300 publications relating to initiatives, there is a paucity of published evaluative evidence. The literature does provide a greater amount of information about initiatives that are delivered into the community as opposed to initiated by the community. Community-led responses have taken a number of approaches. To assess the current evidence on ‘what works?’, we have defined community responses to drug problems under five banners - self-help groups, parents’ groups, residents’ groups, community development groups and diversionary activity groups - for ease of discussion. There are a number of commonly identified elements that exist in successful and sustainable initiatives which are discussed.

Keywords
mutual aid; pressure groups; self help; drugs; alcohol; Therapeutic communities; Drug addicts Rehabilitation; Drug control Great Britain

Journal
Drugs and Alcohol Today: Volume 2, Issue 1