Preventing and Controlling Drug Abuse: An Expert's Perspective

Drug abuse prevention is a complex process that requires a multifaceted approach. Education is the first step in spreading awareness about the dangers of drugs to oneself and to the community. To be effective, drug prevention programs must involve the family, community, and workplace in the process. These programs should focus on teaching life skills that offer personal, social, resilience and communication skills, as well as information on the short-term effects of drugs.

Additionally, short messages delivered closer in time to the situation where the opportunity to use drugs is likely to arise may be more effective than long messages delivered in a short period of time. It is important to note that although this report refers to the consumption of illegal drugs, the notion that the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana increases the likelihood of further use of illegal drugs requires that these other substances be considered in drug prevention programs. To prevent drug abuse in teens, it is important to talk to them about the consequences of drug use and the importance of making healthy choices. Parents should also plot a course towards a better-informed illegal drug policy.

This book will be important to federal and state policymakers, regulators, researchers, program managers, law enforcement officials, journalists and advocates concerned about illegal drug use. Carefully designed programs to reduce known risk factors for drug use in high-risk populations may be effective in reducing drug use. These programs should focus on study habits and academic support; communication; peer relations; self-efficacy and assertiveness; drug resistance skills; reinforcement of anti-drug attitudes; and strengthening personal commitments against drug abuse. It is also important to provide ongoing support for these programs in order for them to be successful. Finally, individuals who think they or a loved one might be struggling with substance abuse can take a free 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment. This assessment consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and likelihood of a substance use disorder.