Applying a Public Health Approach to Drug Abuse Research

In: Journal of drug issues: JDI, Band 35, Heft 3, S. 461-467

Abstract

Applying a public health perspective to drug abuse research has far-reaching implications. First, the health of the entire community is of concern, not just the individual patient. Because of the social impact of drug abuse, these problems become the responsibility of all citizens to address. Second, the perspective requires treating drug abuse as a health issue, not as a criminal justice, moral, or social issue. Third, as in other branches of medicine, applying this perspective to drug abuse research will encourage development of the most effective ways to enhance drug abuse prevention and treatment interventions through cross-disciplinary approaches. The public health approach requires studies that (1) determine need for intervention; (2) provide clues about etiology; (3) determine effective approaches, systems, and financing strategies; and (4) measure the impact of interventions and services on the health of a population. Overall, attending to the public health implications of research will help to assure the maximum impact of scientific findings.