ABSTRACT
In the light of the previous chapter, it will be apparent that the issue of prevention presents a number of problems. If one takes the view that a future may be envisaged within which nobody uses any illicit substances, and that such a state is both feasible and achievable, the issue of prevention centres around those policies and strategies necessary to eliminate drug use from our midst. On the other hand if an approach is taken that, like it or not, the use of illicit mindaltering substances is here to stay and has to be lived with, then different issues arise. A central one is ‘How do we prevent people who indulge in the use of illicit drugs from coming to harm?’ and the related question ‘How do we minimise the dangers and harm that will surely occur to a small percentage of those who do choose to take part in these activities?’ In other words, before deciding on a prevention strategy one has to consider in some detail the thorny question ‘Prevention of what?’.
