CSAP Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention - Guide to Science-based Practices

Abstract

This report by the CSAP (USA) summarizes the scientific principles for preventing substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, tobacco) among youth, based on evaluated programs and multi-domain strategies. The most effective interventions work across six domains (individual, family, peers, school, community, societal) by combining: skill-building, family involvement, alternative activities (mentoring, sports ...), environmental changes. Programs that are solely informative are less effective on thier own. The report makes several key recommendations: tailor interventions to cultural and social contexts, combine multiple strategies, engage families, schools and communities though incentives, strengthen laws (taxes on alcohol/tobaco for example), train stakeholders and target social norms though media campaign using young role models.