Prevention

Various approaches have been suggested to address the problems associated with substance use. Based on the underlying philosophy and focus these can be classified as either supply reduction; demand reduction; or harm reduction.

The supply reduction is aimed at reducing the availability of the illicit substances in the community. The demand reduction focused approaches focus on increasing awareness of the public about the harms associated with illicit substance use. Additionally, these aim at bringing about a positive change in the attitude and behavior and thereby reducing the demand for illicit substances. The harm reduction strategies are directed at reducing the adverse consequences associated with illicit substance use, although not aiming at complete cessation of substance use per se.

The prevention strategies against substance use can be classified as universal, selective and indicated.

Click on the image below to learn more about different types of prevention strategies.

Examples of different categories of prevention strategies

Universal prevention strategies

  • Education of parents on substance use related harms

  • Life skills training

  • Mass media campaigns

  • Promotion of parent- child bonding

Selective prevention strategies

  • Early identification and intervention for mental health conditions that predispose to substance use

  • Treatment of parent(s) with substance use disorder

Indicated prevention strategies

  • Screening and early intervention

  • Training primary health care workers on screening and brief intervention