Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention

Getting Involved in Prevention

Who is Involved in Prevention?

  • Very large numbers are involved from the community to the Federal level, from MADD chapters to police officers.
  • Over 2,100 community coalitions and partnerships have formed in neighborhoods across the U.S..
  • There is broad involvement, but more work can be done with:
    • Business
    • Community workers
    • Clergy
    • Educators
    • Health care providers
    • Police
    • Employers
    • Corrections personnel
  • In fact, everyone needs to involved in prevention.

What research has substantiated is that effective substance abuse prevention must encompass families and whole communities, not just youth and not just individuals to be considered at high risk. Families need skills in creating healthy environments in which to raise their children. Communities must take a firm stand against the availability of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug to youth, and must establish and enforce laws to “walk the talk.”

Business environments must also be healthy and take a firm position that the use of both legal and illegal drugs are counterproductive both to the business environment and the people that comprise it. This is done via visible, enforceable drug-free workplace policies, as well as the availability of interventions for employees who have already manifested problems with drugs, both legal and illegal.

Actions for Business

  • Announce that prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) problems has become a major corporate focus and that there is an expectation that everyone will take part in and benefit from this collective effort.
  • Be aware of the potential risks that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs pose for any size business: absenteeism, loss of productivity, tardiness, higher worker’s compensation rates, higher product cost, high turnover, insurance liability, reduced morale, increase in injury and fatality rates, theft, poor quality of products and services, and increased use of health services.
  • Develop and implement a model alcohol/smoke/drug-free workplace policy and fully explain the benefits and procedures to all employees. Educate employees about preventing ATOD problems in the workplace.
  • Provide training to managers and supervisors about how to prevent ATOD problems in the workplace. Encourage employees to seek help without feeling guilty, shameful, or fearful of losing their jobs. Learn about employee assistance programs (EAPS) and how you can implement one in your business. The leverage of the job can be an effective way to motivate an employee into a treatment program. Start by calling the CSAP Workplace Helpline at 1-800-843-4971.
  • Provide information to your employees about the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, crime, and rising health care costs.
  • Display prominently in the workplace educational information about ATODs and include articles in company newsletters, with paychecks, and in other interoffice communications.
  • Sponsor prevention programs that benefit employees, their families, and the community. These services foster good will, build community cohesion, set community norms, and help develop a healthy, substance-free workplace for the present and the future! Examples include mentoring programs, parenting training, stress management workshops, courses on health fairs, and workshops on preventing ATOD use by children.
  • Host alcohol-free events, noting your company’s commitment to prevent injury or death associated with drinking and driving, especially around holidays.
  • Include awareness messages in your advertising or packaging and display posters in your store front.
  • Contact your local chamber of commerce and suggest holding educational meetings and distributing materials on ATOD-related problems to members.
  • Serve as a leader, supporter, or active participant in other community-based efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth. Consider adding a corporate performance standard for all employees that promotes community involvement in ATOD prevention.

    For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
    1-800-729-6686.

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Actions for Community Groups

  • Make prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by youth a priority for your community, organization, or group. State your commitment in printed materials and in public remarks made on behalf of your group.
  • Obtain and use prevention tools and materials from local libraries, county alcohol and other drug prevention directors, State RADAR (Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource) Centers, and the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information as well as private non-profit organizations.
  • Establish a clear no-use policy regarding ATOD for all youth activities. Set rules regarding illicit drug and tobacco use for community group members.
  • Host appealing ATOD-free alternative activities for underage people; encourage schools, parks and recreation departments, and other youth-serving groups to offer such activities.
  • Host ATOD-free social events for adults to illustrate that they also can enjoy normal social activities where alcohol is not served.
  • Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make others aware that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body’s immune system.
  • Teach your members resiliency-building interventions and strategies, shown to help buffer stresses experienced by youth living in families with ATOD-related problems.
  • Talk with youth about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and listen to their pressures and problems.
  • Advocate public policies shown to reduce underage ATOD use and related problems such as lower legal blood alcohol levels (BACs), particularly for those under 21; Administrative License Revocation (ALR) laws; “use-lose” laws; enforcement of age-of-purchase laws; and restrictions on outdoor advertising of alcohol and tobacco products near or adjacent to youth gathering laces.
  • Provide and supervise “safe havens” or secure ATOD-free areas where youth can gather for social, recreational, and athletic activities, particularly in communities where public parks, playgrounds, streets, vacant lots, and the like attract ATOD users, drug dealers, gang activity, etc.
  • Encourage schools to offer student assistance programs (SAPs), ATOD-specific counseling services, and easy, confidential access to other ATOD helping resources in the community.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal tobacco advertising and marketing with youth. Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their purpose, and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach the possible harmful effects of using these products.
  • Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your community, your State, and the country a safer, healthier, and positively challenging environment.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with your messages to youth.
  • Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement and help a child learn to do something well. For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.

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Actions for Health Care Professionals

  • Educate your clients about the consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use and abuse. Work with established ATOD prevention groups or use a hospital/HMO (health maintenance organization) or health department as a site that provides ATOD information and training.

  • Examine your own ATOD use and decide if it is consistent with your professional responsibilities.
  • Learn what you can do in your position to prevent ATOD abuse. A suggestion from a health care provider about alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use is one of the most effective deterrents to use/abuse.
  • Help build resiliency in youth so they are more likely to resist drugs. Encourage involvement in healthy activities, listen to their concerns, and build their positive sense of self-identity by affirming and encouraging their accomplishments. Work with schools to provide afterschool care and positive peer pressure programs.
  • Learn about the resources available to address ATOD problems. Do not try to resolve the problem by yourself–there are networks of volunteers and social service professionals who are trained and available to intervene if necessary.
  • Provide training to managers and supervisors about how to prevent ATOD problems in the workplace. Encourage employees to seek help without feeling guilty, shameful, or fearful of losing their jobs.
  • Be aware of the connection between alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make patients aware that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body’s immune system.
  • Consider implementation of an early detection referral and treatment guideline similar to the one developed by the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. (For more information on these guidelines, contact the Group Health Cooperative at 206-883-5608.)
  • Screen all patients for ATOD problems in the course of obtaining a detailed medical history and physical. Ask about use/abuse patterns in the family to identify children in at-risk situations. Talk with patients about the implications for children and family.
  • When prescribing medication, inform patients and their families about the side effects of combining alcohol and other drugs.
  • Be involved in professional organizations that can influence decisionmakers concerning local, State, and Federal policy on ATOD problems.
  • Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a leader, supporter, or active participant in other community-based efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with your messages to youth. For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.

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Actions for Individuals

  • Review your own knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD); determine whether you follow Federal dietary guidelines for alcohol consumption. If you smoke, develop a plan to stop. Adhere to doctor’s directions for use of prescription drugs; follow manufacturer’s guidelines regarding nonprescription pharmaceuticals. Do not use any illegal drugs.
  • Make an educated decision regarding ATOD use in your life. Put yourself and your family in situations that support your decision. If you are not sure about your decision, seek assistance from a local prevention community group or leader.
  • Talk with children, friends, and family members about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Listen. Find out what kind of pressures the people you talk to are facing.
  • Help a child deal with peer pressure by acknowledging good choices and reinforcing connections to supportive social, family, and community systems.
  • Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body’s immune system.
  • Set firm “no use” rules for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by all youth under 21 in your care.
  • Encourage healthy, creative activities that do not involve alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
  • Support community, workplace, and school efforts to establish and maintain alcohol-, drug- and smoke-free environments.
  • Team up with others to provide support and activities that foster resilience.
  • Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
  • Become a leader in your community, your church, and your neighborhood in formulating and enforcing a non-ATOD atmosphere.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with your messages to youth.
  • Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a leader, supporter, or active participant in other community-based efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth. For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.

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Actions for Older Americans

  • Be aware that age-related stresses, such as loss of employment, widowhood, or other bereavement, may put you at risk for increased alcohol consumption. Alert others in your age group to this problem.
  • The changing metabolism that comes with aging can make older people more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Be aware that consuming the same amount of alcohol as in younger years may have greater effects and lead to problems.
  • Alcohol problems are compounded by drug use. Do not mix alcohol with over- the-counter or prescription drugs. Ask questions of your doctor and your pharmacist regarding alcohol and tobacco use and their possible interaction with prescription medications.
  • Volunteer — alternative activities held in schools and communities are in particular need of your skills and experience. Your time and involvement will make a real difference to peers, youth, families, and others.
  • Get involved with Youth in your community and share your cultural knowledge and wisdom. Encourage their interests, praise their successes, and help them take pride in their heritage.
  • Numbers of HIV/AIDS cases are growing among older Americans. Educate yourself and your peers on risky behaviors which can lead to acquiring HIV/AIDS.
  • Talk with your family, children, and grandchildren about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use and the potential health, safety, and legal consequences.
  • Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a leader, supporter or active participant in community-based efforts to prevent ATOD abuse in youth, adult, and peers.
  • Take positive steps toward prevention: exercise, support drug-free environments, and get involved in healthy activities.
  • Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with your messages to youth. For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.

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Actions for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

  • Establish and enforce rules against underage drinking. Keep alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription drugs out of the reach of children too young to adhere to such rules. Do not use or store illegal drugs in your home. Avoid exposing others to tobacco smoke and acknowledge that regular smoking is unhealthy. Do not use alcohol if you are pregnant, plan to drive or engage in a physical activity, take medications, cannot keep your drinking moderate, or are a child or adolescent.
  • Be clear and consistent in stating your expectation that underage youth in your charge will not use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Let other parents know your views if your children are going to be guests in their homes.
  • Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make children aware that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body’s immune system.
  • If a family member exhibits signs of an ATOD problem, be prepared to connect him or her with appropriate help in your area. Know what alcoholism/addiction and ATOD dependence are and what resources are available to you.
  • Help children understand that they are not responsible for problems adults experience, that adult behavior while under the influence of ATOD does not necessarily reflect true attitudes. Learn what else you can do to help buffer stress for children in this situation and reduce
    their risk of developing serious problems in their own lives.
  • Help children and adolescents team the health, safety, and legal consequences of using ATOD. Be sure they understand that alcohol and tobacco are drugs and are as dangerous as illegal drugs.
  • Model low-risk alcohol use and ask others in your community to do so as well. Be a responsible host.
  • Model and encourage good health practices: serve balanced and nutritious meals at regular times and plan ATOD-free family activities. Encourage individual expression and creativity and respect for nature and the human spirit.
  • Be sure children have easy access to a wide range of appealing, ATOD-free, alternative activities and safe, monitored areas where they can gather.
  • Discuss alcohol and tobacco advertising and marketing with youth. Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their purpose, and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach the possible harmful effects of using these products.
  • Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your community, your State, and the country a safer, healthier, and positively challenging environment.
  • Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with your messages to youth.
  • Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement and help a child learn to do something well. For prevention information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.