Substance use disorders and problem gambling can completely consume a person’s life, especially the longer they persist. As substance use and problem gambling take hold, individuals can lose control over their decision-making. This can subsequently make treatment and recovery increasingly difficult, leading to setbacks and recurrences.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse estimated that the U.S. spends more than half-a-trillion dollars each year responding to the consequences of substance use disorders.
How can we counteract this? Prevention is at the frontline of the fight against substance use disorders and problem gambling, enabling us to identify issues and intervene to mitigate, avert, and stop the problematic progression.
Read on to discover more about prevention, explore various prevention strategies, and see the effectiveness of education and outreach.
What is Prevention?
Prevention is a proactive approach to empower individuals, families, and communities to aid in recovery and reduce the risk of future harm related to substance use and gambling. Prevention involves strategies and interventions aimed at addressing unhealthy behaviors before they lead to more serious problems.
The following strategies and services form the foundation of prevention related to substance use disorders and problem gambling:
- Education and awareness about the risks and consequences associated with substance use and gambling. Talking to individuals about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind, as well as the potential financial and relationship consequences of excessive gambling.
- Early intervention programs identify individuals who may be at risk of developing unhealthy substance use or gambling behaviors and provide support and resources to these individuals before their behaviors escalate.
- Skill-building and coping strategies—like stress management techniques, problem-solving skills, and building resilience—teach individuals healthy coping strategies and life skills to prevent substance use and gambling problems.
- Creating supportive environments that discourage substance use and gambling while promoting healthy behaviors, including restricting access to gambling venues and creating substance-free spaces.
- Community involvement and partnerships to engage community stakeholders, including schools, families, healthcare providers, and local organizations. The combination of resources and expertise can help develop comprehensive programs.
- Targeted interventions to specific populations or demographics create a personalized approach. This can be especially beneficial for youth outreach, addressing peer pressure and decision-making skills.
Does Prevention Work?
Evidence-based prevention programs have proven effective at curbing substance use. Evidence-based prevention can have long-term, cost-saving benefits for both personal and public health, particularly when they are implemented during childhood and adolescence.
Studies from both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identify prevention as the best strategy to reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. Prevention programs work to reduce rates of substance use and gambling activities and can delay the age of first use.
ASAC Prevention Services
ASAC Prevention offers a variety of programs, activities, and technical assistance to communities, schools, workplaces, and organizations to address their individual needs related to substance use disorders and problem gambling.
- Workplace services help organizations develop or revise company drug or tobacco/nicotine policies. ASAC can also conduct educational sessions for employees and managers.
- Individual and family services provide small-group education for youth and equip parents and families with education on how to spot early substance use among children and how to start conversations about difficult topics.
- School services and training focus on increasing the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent substance use and problem gaming among school-aged youth.
- Youth services provide a pathway for school-aged kids to get help or become involved in their community. A prime example is the Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention (ISTEP) program, empowering students to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vaping.
- Community services are vital to forming local partnerships and communicating one-on-one with community members. ASAC offers a variety of services throughout our communities.
- Presentations on substances and problem gambling
- NARCAN training
- ACES/Trauma Informed Care training
- Connection to community resources
ASAC also partners with various coalitions throughout the state to change policies, provide training, and offer positive activities for youth.
The Power of Prevention
The battle against substance use disorders and problem gambling will never be easy, but prevention provides a proven, effective path forward.
Through the combination of outreach and education, we can forge connections in our community and raise awareness to improve lives.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out now. If you’d like to know how to get involved in the community, contact us today.
Sources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/cost-benefits-prevention.pdf
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prevention#substance-use-and-sud-prevention