Drugs and youth: an international perspective on vocational and social reintegration.

Despite the negative attitudes of the general public and even of professionals concerning the potential of drug-dependent youth to reintegrate socially and to be employed, there is ample and growing evidence for a more positive outlook. This paper describes the vocational rehabilitation process which can serve as a basic tool for most drug rehabilitation programmes. The author illustrates a number of interesting and innovative approaches, both public and private, which have all demonstrated some measure of positive outcome. Mention is made of the need for and great value of direct involvement of the community in the rehabilitation and reintegration process. Programmes for employed drug-dependent persons are also cited as a preventive and highly effective approach.