Community-Based Processes

Over the past 30 years, the complex field of substance abuse prevention has had some successful prevention strategies. Prevention researchers have made strides in identifying effective programs, policies, and practices. Individuals who are at risk for substance abuse and other negative behaviors are exposed to risk and protective factors in all aspects of the community. Risk factors are the personal and environmental factors that place a person at higher risk for substance abuse and negative behaviors. Protective factors are personal and environmental factors that help reduce the risk of substance abuse and other negative behaviors. Because substance abuse is a phenomenon influenced by multiple risk factors at the individual, peer, family, school, community, and environmental levels, its prevention may be most effectively accomplished with a ...