Fundación Azteca

Drug Use Prevention

THE CHALLENGE

Drug use carries serious consequences in terms of health, social aspects, and security. In the Central America and Caribbean region, adolescents and young people are the most vulnerable population group to initiate drug use.

In addition to the harmful health aspects that this consumption implies, risks for the emergence of other associated risky behaviors such as violence and delinquency in young people are increased. Therefore, implementing prevention and treatment strategies for drug use disorders are considered priority initiatives in the region.

Jóvenes haciendo dinámicas en un taller de UNODC.

Proyecto MOVEO, El Salvador.

El Salvador, 2022.

Niños haciendo una dinámica en un taller ofrecido por UNODC.

Proyecto MOVEO, El Salvador

Drug prevention aims to prevent or delay the onset of drug use, or, if use has already begun, to prevent the development of drug use disorders.

At ROPAN, we have international standards for drug use prevention, which serve as a constantly updated guide on policies, strategies, and programs that have proven effective for preventing drug use. Through ROPAN, these standards have been disseminated in the countries of the region through training sessions targeted at policymakers and prevention agents.

Similarly, at ROPAN, we provide technical assistance to the States of the region to implement programs for the prevention of drug misuse. These prevention programs are evidence-based and effective in countering risk factors related to drug use and associated behaviors, as well as strengthening protective factors for the healthy and safe development of children and adolescents.

ROPAN has developed drug prevention initiatives in the region, in countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. The evidence-based programs we promote include initiatives like "Familias Unidas" and "Construyendo Familias," as well as prevention campaigns like "Escucha Primero." These programs target families, developing parenting skills and strengthening family relationships, both of which are strong protective factors against substance use and other risky behaviors.

Similarly, through prevention programs in schools and communities, we contribute to strengthening life skills in children and adolescents. School-based prevention programs like "Leones Educando" have been implemented in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Panama, while the "Juega Vive" program, focusing on sports, has been implemented in the Dominican Republic.

For adolescents who have already started using substances, the "TREANET Family" program is available, which allows for a family-based approach to address this consumption.

Niños y jóvenes tocando un instrumento de percusión en un taller ofrecido por UNODC

Proyecto MOVEO, El Salvador

CAMPAIGNS

Imagen de la campaña Escucha Primero de UNODC

RESOURCES

Grupo de jóvenes en la cima de una montaña

United Nations

UNODC ROPAN

Drug Use Prevention

THE CHALLENGE

What we do?

CAMPAIGNS

RESOURCES