Page 5 - Focus on Prevention: Strategies and Programs to Prevent Substance Use

About This Guide

Overview

Misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is a problem
throughout the United States. Communities vary
greatly in the specific problems they face, the groups
affected by those problems, and the events that rouse
people to take action. In addition to having different
problems and priorities, some communities have more
resources and experience with locally based prevention
activities than others. Yet, with a “can do” approach and
a bit of guidance, any community can have success
in implementing strategies and programs to prevent
substance use.
This is where Focus on Prevention can help. The
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), has developed this guide
as a starting point to help a wide range of groups and
communities move from concerns about substance The materials included in this Focus on Prevention guide
use to proven and practical solutions. This guide offers were created for your use with the evidence-based
brief, easy-to-read information that organizations SPF model in mind. Think of the tools in this guide as
can use to plan and deliver prevention strategies in a building blocks for planning your prevention event—
wide array of settings, through a variety of methods. each can help you strengthen your efforts and reach
Whether you’re planning an environmental prevention your specific objectives.
strategy, community-based program, news conference,
community awareness day, or targeted outreach
campaign, Focus on Prevention can help you organize
and achieve your objectives. With a “can do” approach and a
Focus on Prevention uses SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention
Framework (SPF) as a guide to assist communities in bit of guidance, any community
planning and implementing prevention strategies, can have success in preventing
programs, and events. The SPF is a five-step process
used to help states and communities reduce risk-taking substance misuse.
behaviors, promote resilience, and prevent problem
behaviors in individuals and families across the life span.
The SPF framework applies to any prevention planning
process that addresses substance misuse and mental
health issues.

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