​Prevention efforts work to educate and support individuals and communities to stop, halt, or slow the use and misuse of drugs and the development of substance use disorders. Substance use and mental disorders can make daily activities difficult and impair a person’s ability to work, interact with family, and fulfill other major life functions. Mental and substance use disorders are among the top conditions that cause disability in the United States. Preventing mental and/or substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders and related problems is critical to behavioral and physical health.
What is Prevention?
Eight Prevention Principles
Click on each principle to watch a short video and learn more.
Principle 1:
Principle 5:
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Principle 8:
Introductory Prevention Videos
The adolescent brain is rapidly developing and is more vulnerable to alcohol and drugs than adult brains, which increases young people’s chances of developing a substance use disorder. "What is Prevention | Introduction" explains that prevention is about delaying the onset of first use, or pushing it back as long as possible in order to protect young brains.
90% of people who have a substance use disorder started using alcohol or drugs before they turned 18. The adolescent brain is still developing until a person is in their early to mid 20s. By practicing prevention and delaying the onset of first use, you can help to protect the brain during this important period of development.
According to the Addiction Policy Forum, Genetics account for about half of a person’s likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. The "What is Prevention | The Role of Genetics" video explores and explains the role that genetics play in the likelihood experiencing substance use disorder.
Communities play a key role in protecting adolescents from early substance use. Prevention efforts can be implemented by building coalitions and comprehensive strategies to reduce risk factors for substance use and addiction.
All videos were created by the Addiction Policy Forum. Please visit Addiction Policy Forum for additional resources and information. https://www.addictionpolicy.org/
Resources
Click on any of the links below to learn more.
Prevention
Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)
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Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
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Drug Policy Alliance | Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens (Curriculum)
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Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network
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Anti Stigma
Changing the Narrative (Person First Language)
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Mass.gov | State Without Stigma
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Breaking Down the Stigma of Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse
Harm reduction