E/CN.7/594 page 8
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31. CHILE
The main drug abuse problem, excepting alcoholism, is the abuse There is also some abuse of cannabis mainly among those in the 15-25 age group. of amphetamines, opiates and barbiturates. Hallucinogens, mainly LSD, are also abused. The abuse of cocaine is limited to a small number of adults in the artistic circles. Following the medical regulations adopted by the Government, there has been a decrease of 89 per cent in the licit consumption of psychotropic substances for the period 1970-1975. Over 1 400 persons were treated in 1975 mainly for the abuse of cannabis, amphetamines and barbiturate-type drugs.
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32. COLOMBIA There is abuse of drugs, primarily tranquillizers, stimulants but also cannabis. Abuse of stimulants is prevalent among those in the 16-25
A age group. Stimulants are often taken in combination with tranquillizers. recent survey among 350 000 school children in four main cities of Colombia showed that between 37 and 120 per thousand were abusing psychoactive drugs.
33. COSTA RICA
There is abuse of cannabis and volatile solvents. among youngsters
Cannabis is often taken in combination with alcohol or The number of persons using these drugs is unknown.
of the 14-23 age group.
hallucinogens.
34. CUBA
Only a few persons are addicted to morphine.
35. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC There seems to be a tremendous increase in the abuse of drugs.
Cannabis smokers are estimated to be 6 000 although only 1 842 are registered (507 in 1974). Some 1 450 persons abuse sedatives-hypnotics orally or by injection of which 490 are registered. The number of persons abusing tranquillizers is estimated to be over 800 (orally and by injection) of which 501 are registered. More than 300 persons are estimated to abuse barbiturates orally, of these 125 are registered. It is estimated that over 40 persons are abusing cocaine. Me thaqualone and tranquillizers are often abused in combination with alcohol. Abusers ef cannabis and tranquillizers belong to the 14-25 age group. Abuse of drugs is associated with dropping out from school, running away from home and stealing. A certain number of persons have been treated for me thaqualone and cannabis abuse. The number of persons arrested for drug offence is also on the increase as are the amounts of drugs seized.
36. ECUADOR
Abuse of cannabis by persons in the 20-34 age group continues to increase but there is decrease in the number of persons abusing cocaine. Cannabis is often taken in combination with cocaine. A certain number of children between 12 and 20 years of age abuse volatile solvents. Treatment for a certain
An increase number of abusers taking cocaine paste and cannabis has been provided. in the number of persons arrested for drug offences has been observed. Drugs are taken to escape responsibilities, to compensate for frustations, as a result of social inadaptation, or for curiosity. Drug taking is also due to the lack of parental guidance and as a result of living without the most basic economic resources.
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37. GUATEMALA Abuse of amphetamines and barbiturates show an upward tendency. Findings of a National Congress held in 1972 indicate that drug consumption affects
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Statement by representative at fourth special session.
13/ Toid.
14/ UNESCO Regional Meeting on Drug Education in Latin America and the Carribbean (January 1976),
A