Abstract

Introduction: Considering the significant increase of drug abuse in national and international scopes, and the priority of the preventive programs (due to savings in cost and energy), this study aims to investigate the efficiency of drug abuse preventive programs. Methods: This is an analytical-descriptive study, conducted in Iran on a sample of 600 individuals composed of academicians, experts, specialists, and officials. Verbal, individual interviews were performed based on a semi-structured interview-guide, and the resulted data was coded, categorized, and reported. Results: The causes of lower effectiveness of previous preventive programs were as following: a) the features of preventive programs (37.7%): unsustainability, not matching the target group’s characteristics, Lack of targeted programs, etc., b) sociocultural issues (19.79%): families, and society’s unawareness, adverse social factors, etc. Conclusion: The drug abuse preventive programs are of significant importance. However, their efficiency and effectiveness are subjected to special requirements and considerations that if not met, results will not be achieved.

Key words: preventive programs, drug abuse, efficiency.