Brasília - National anti-drug policy is being debated in regional forums with various sectors of civil society. The idea is to discuss proposals for a national policy with representatives from all spheres of government (federal, state, and municipal), the scientific community, social organizations, and community leaders.

According to the National Anti-Drug Secretary, Paulo Roberto Uchôa, drugs are a problem not only for Brazil, but for the entire world. "In Brazil it is a high-level problem of the State, demanding a firm and secure national policy," he emphasized.

Uchôa explained that the Secretariat is involved in combatting the use of legal and illegal drugs. One of the ones that cause greatest concern, according to him, is the abusive consumption of alcohol. According to Uchôa, indicators show that alchohol has the highest index of chemical dependence.

"Alcohol is behind the majority of crimes, domestic violence, murders, traffic accidents with victims," he pointed out. In his view, education is the most effective way to combat drug use. He cited, for example, the Brazilian government program that will train around 5 thousand public school teachers about drug prevention.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Luciana Vasconcelos
Translator: David Silberstein
08/27/2004