[Drug dependence in poverty. Its prevalence in Costa Rica]

This research was carried out in the shantytowns of the capital city of Costa Rica. Magnitude and main features of alcohol and drug use among the population aged 15 up were studied. The sample was composed by 469 people interviewed: The instruments used were questionnaires and interview forms. Field observation was also practiced. The results pointed out a 14% of the population as having alcohol problems (9% heavy drinking, 5% physical dependence on alcohol). Furthermore an 8% was regularly using different drugs, such as marijuana, solvents, common plants psychoactively effective, etc. Frequent intake of medicaments without any therapeutic aim was also high. From a point of view focusing on the individuals and the assistance, the problem has a better prognosis when social and community treatment is considered. When seen from the collectivity and prevention perspective the problem surpasses the health sphere and demands the attention of several social and economical complex factors. This is the only way to set up a prevention program well organized, systematical and with possibilities of success. Finally, it is stated that the development of new studies on the ecology of the problem will precisely permit the working out of a preventive-assisting program especially directed to the groups specifically affected or menaced by alcohol and drugs.