Local measures for the reduction of drug emergency risks and drug mortality risks.

The alarming increase of drug mortality rates in Germany was followed by research projects to enlighten the causes of this increase. The results of the Bremen, Hamburg and Berlin studies 1991-92, led to the conclusion that specific risk constellations have to be considered in the process of improving the drug counselling and health care system in the community. Primary prevention measures in kindergartens and schools, special services for families with addiction problems, decriminisation of drug abuse, the strengthening and specialisation of the counselling system and health services and new intervention strategies including methadone substitution should be integrated into local drug plans.