Skip to main content icon/video/no-internet
icon backReturn to Entries

Prevention Resources

Prevention resources are powerful tools to reduce negative consequences of drug use by preventing initial use. With the capacity to reach mass audiences via a plethora of informational and communication channels, prevention resources serve a pertinent role in the field of substance abuse. The history of prevention itself has influenced the formation of existing resources. Key components leading up to the creation of prevention resources have included the establishment of standard prevention principles and models. This entry covers these critical aspects related to the emergence of resources. Furthermore, although many prevention resources tend to focus on youth, this entry also discusses the range of prevention activities available across the life span, running from infancy to advanced age. Resources specific to ethnic and gender minorities are also discussed. In addition, a summary of community-based prevention and alternative resources is provided.

Principles of Prevention

Prevention principles have evolved through the synthesis of extensive research conducted in substance abuse treatment and prevention. This evolution has included the collaboration of federal organizations such as the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Justice. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) lists more than 15 principles to guide the creation of prevention programs and, by extension, resources. They can be broadly divided into four major subgroups. The first set involves defining and addressing substance abuse risk factors within a population. Second, the principles indicate that programs that have been shown to be effective in the past should continue to be used. Third, interventions should take place during significant life stages in suitable settings. Finally, programs should be managed effectively such that they undergo continuous monitoring, incorporate staff training, and provide consistency.

Prevention Models

The creation of prevention principles has led to the recognition of several models that encourage the creation of prevention programs and resources. In 1994, the Institute of Medicine proposed a method of categorizing prevention strategies. They suggested moving away from the older model of primary, secondary, and tertiary approaches. Instead, prevention interventions were classified as universal, selective, and indicated. Universal strategies are aimed at large populations and emphasize determent of substance use. Selective strategies work on subsections of the population that may be at increased risk of substance use. Examples include high school dropouts and children from families that have a history of substance abuse. Indicated strategies target specific individuals who may not meet official addiction criteria (i.e., those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision), but who exhibit early signs of substance abuse or risk factors for substance use. Prevention resources may be categorized as falling into one of these classifications.

Youth Prevention

One of the most recognized targeted groups with respect to prevention are youth. There is no one method, however, that encompasses the diverse backgrounds and experiences of younger individuals. Accordingly, prevention resources work within a variety of contexts to assist in the prevention of substance abuse. These include school-based programs as well as those aimed toward female, ethnic minority, and incarcerated youth.

School-Based Programs

The overwhelming majority of youth prevention activities occur within the school setting. NIDA provides parents, educators, and community leaders with a guide to the prevention of drug use by children and adolescents. This guide utilizes the universal, selective, and indicated framework to list a host of resources for elementary, middle, and high school students. Universal elementary programs include ones such as Caring School Community Program, Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), and Skills, Opportunity, and Recognition (SOAR). Universal middle and high school resources include ones such as Life Skills Training programs, Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence, Project ALERT/ALERT Plus, and the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10–14.

...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles

Read next

More like this

Sage Recommends

We found other relevant content for you on other Sage platforms.

close

Have you created a personal profile? Login or create a profile so that you can save clips, playlists and searches

close
close
close Signed In to profile You are signed in as:
close
Logged in Institution Institution