Prevention Strategies
Problems related to the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are complex, requiring a comprehensive, broad-based approach to prevention. Current research on effective prevention strategies recognizes the importance of efforts to eliminate or buffer factors that place individuals, families and communities at risk of experiencing these problems and to enhance identified factors to protect them from such risks. The most effective of these strategies are designed to change the environment in which individuals purchase and consume alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. While it is also essential to help individuals develop the strengths and skills necessary to resist or avoid problem behaviors, the marketing practices associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use also need to be modified. The range of prevention services must cover a variety of programs from school-based curricula to educating merchants who sell alcohol and tobacco products about relevant laws and their responsibility to abide by them.
For in-depth information on more than 60 prevention programs with proven effectiveness, as well as dozens of environmental strategies for addressing underage alcohol and tobacco use, click here to view the South Carolina Toolkit for Evidence-Based Prevention Programs and Strategies.