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Evidence-Based Principles for Substance Abuse Prevention

NCJ Number
186164
Date Published
January 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The National Drug Control Strategy's Performance Measures of Effectiveness require the Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop and implement a set of research-based principles on which drug abuse prevention programs can be based.
Abstract
Evidence-based principles of drug abuse prevention are outlined according to the following categories: (1) address appropriate risk and protective factors for drug abuse in a defined population; (2) use approaches that have been shown to be effective; (3) intervene early at important stages and transitions; (4) intervene in appropriate settings and domains; and (5) manage programs effectively. The principles focus on assessing risk, reducing the availability of illicit drugs, strengthening anti-drug attitudes, strengthening life skills and social bonding, developing appropriate interventions and reinforcing them over time, training drug prevention program staff and volunteers, and monitoring and evaluating drug prevention programs. A reference guide is included that lists organizations and web sites concerned with drug prevention and research.