State Prevention Activities

In order to prevent drug addiction, it is necessary to approach the problem from the angle of reducing both demand and supply. Drug addiction is a complex problem with a number of reasons such as poverty, social exclusion, dysfunctional family (divorces, addiction problems of parents and the manner in which they raise their children), peer pressure and unfavourable group standards, and easy access to drugs.

The ministries responsible for reducing demand are the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research. Shaping the attitudes and standards of young people and thereby influencing their behaviour is efficient only as a result of systematic work. This why it is extremely important to integrate the prevention of drug abuse in the study programmes of schools. In order to prevent drug abuse, it is necessary to systematically develop the ability of children and young people to say “no”, their high self-esteem, and the values, attitudes and beliefs of children that support health.

Aiming prevention activities at the environment that influences young people, incl. family, youth workers and school, is also an important measure. Role models at home and peers have the strongest influence on the behaviour of children and young people. It is therefore important to raise the competence of parents, child protection and social workers, and school staff regarding the prevention of addiction problems, and to develop networking between the organisations that work with children and to improve the manner in which families are involved in their work.

The system for addiction treatment and rehabilitation in Estonia is still developing. The plans for the nearest future include giving more attention to the development of treatment and rehabilitation services aimed at pregnant drug addicts, and to give more information to ensure that clients find the service.

 Summary of the managment report for 2010 of  "National Drug Prevention Strategy until 2012"