Community attitudes toward drug use: the need to assess community norms

Four neighborhoods at high-risk for alcohol and drug problems were surveyed concerning residents' perceptions of the extent and nature of these problems in their neighborhood. Residents were found to have relatively mild perceptions of the extent of misuse but relatively significant experiences with problems caused by drug abuse. They lacked knowledge of treatment and prevention programs. Significant differences were noted among the neighborhoods. Results are discussed in terms of the role of evaluation in community-based programs and the need to survey community norms to plan such programs.