Prevention of Drug Overdosage: Current Strategies and Implications for Policy

Abstract

The efficacy of using secondary and tertiary prevention approaches for drug overdosage has been questioned. This paper examines new approaches that are required and the manner in which they can be implemented as part of a public policy that emphasizes primary prevention. Rather than viewing self-injury as a manifestation of individual pathology, we need to focus on the role of acceptability and availability of drugs in the use and misuse of psychoactive substances. The potential utility of such a model is extrapolated from previous research on alcohol, and alternative plans are outlined.