Resumo

SAENZ ROJAS, Mario Alberto. "La Aventura de la Vida": un programa de prevención de drogas en América Latina. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2001, vol.10, n.18-19, pp.40-51. ISSN 1409-1429.

This article presents the theoretical and methodological elements of the drug abuse prevention program called "The Adventure of Life", as a positive experience in the field of health education. This program is a feasible and effective alternative for Latin-American children; hecause school teachers are the ones that develop the whole program using didactic material that is attractive to the students and full of rich elements. Besides, this program pays special attention to four basic themes: self-respect, skills for life, drugs knowledge and healthy life habits, developed under three main socialization environments (family, school and community). Lastly, the roll of public health professionals can play within prevention, as a strategy in health promotion, is also analyzed.

Palavras-chave : Latin-America; Primary Schools; Health Education; Drug Prevention; Public; Health.