Prevention 101

What is Prevention?

Substance use prevention is a comprehensive mix of evidence-based strategies used prevent, reduce, or delay youth alcohol or other substance use.

Effective prevention strategies reflect the needs of a community and may include:

• Information Dissemination – Fact sheets, postcards, websites, newsletters
• Education – Health curricula, skill-building activities, facilitated group discussions, strategy-building trainings or workshops
• Community-Based Processes – Collaborative action planning, grassroots community organizing, community coalitions
• Environmental – Social norms campaigns, media articles, policy & regulations, enforcement
• Alternative Activities – Youth groups, substance-free events, school-based activities, leadership & volunteer opportunities
• Problem Identification & Referral – Youth Education & Intervention/Diversion Programs

Effective prevention strategies seek to decrease Risk Factors (make an individual vulnerable to substance use) and increase Protective Factors (make an individual resilient to substance use).