substance abuse risk and protective factors.

"It is generally accepted that substance abuse is not caused by a single determining factor or event, but rather is the result of a mix of what are known as "risk factors'' and the absence of sufficient "protective factors'' in an individual's environment,'' the National Drug Commission noted in a statement issued.

"Among the strategic objectives of the National Drug Commission is to identify the local situational factors which encourage use and attempt to alter them.'' As a first step toward designing the study which is expected to be carried out this year, the NDC has commissioned a report on existing literature on risk and protective factors. The 33-page report is a detailed review of literature on the topic prepared for the NDC by Development Associates Inc.

The NDC expects that the results of its study will allow it to develop specific prevention programmes to address Bermuda's risk and protective factors.

"Until now, we have proceeded to base our work on risk and protective factors using anecdotal information,'' NDC chief executive officer Derrick Binns said.

"While the report by Development Associates validates many of the beliefs and assumptions which had already been in use, it provides for us for the first time detailed analysis of the conclusions of those who have exhaustively researched this area in the United States.'' Dr. Binns added: "While there are similarities and differences between North American and Bermudian cultures, many Bermudians live and study for long periods in North America, travel there frequently and are exposed to television, radio and movie programmes which emanate from North America.

"The report affords the NDC signposts on which to base the direction of its study of the factors locally which give rise to, and impede, an individual's chance of becoming a substance abuser.''