Background: This article evaluates the perception of drug use control and strategies in Valencia City (Spain) in a general and clinical population, in two independent studies.
Material and methods: 1071 people participated. In Study 1 (n = 924) the entire sample came from the general population (GP), and in Study 2 (n = 147), 68 were drug users being treated in an Addictive Behavior Unit (ABU), and 79 people of the GP. The drug use control perception and strategies in both subgroups were compared. The participants filled in the Drug Use Strategies Scale and a Drug Use Survey.
Results: A high level of perception of drug control in the GP was obtained (72.7% in Study 1 and 67.5% in Study 2), and 32.5% in the ABU subgroup. People in the GP and drug users in treatment differ in some control strategies. A predictive profile of the perception of control was obtained for Study 2.
Conclusion: The high degree of perception of controlling drug use in the GP, and partially in drug users being treated, and the specific control strategies reported suggests that moderate use and drug control strategies are a great value alternative to bear in mind compared to abstinence.
Keywords: drug use control strategies; drugs; moderate drug use; perception of controlling drug use; risk and harm reduction approach.