NURSING CONTRIBUTION TO DRUGS PHENOMENON AND VIOLENCE IN LATIN AMERICA; A PROCESS

Abstract

The phenomenon of drugs and violence is a complex issue aggravated by the globalization process, which facilitates the marketing of drugs, money laundering, and increased demand for drugs among different population groups. As a consequence, violence has increased and there have been changes in family structure, lifestyles, and values in all Latin American countries. Few studies have been done on the relationship between drugs (licit and illicit) and violence. Most nursing studies have focused on licit drugs (tobacco and alcohol), few on violence, and others on results of interventions. The present paper analyzes some of the research in these areas. It also presents an alternative theoretical framework with an international health perspective to study the phenomenon of drugs and violence. It analyzes the CICAD Schools of Nursing project in demand reduction as a case study, and presents a strategy for advancing nursing research and leadership in relation to the drug phenomenon and violence in the XXI Century.