After decades of spending on treating drug abuse in the United States, government and medical professionals realized that agencies that help to prevent drug addiction might be more effective. Education and early intervention can save state, federal and nonprofit agencies millions of dollars in treatment costs.
State Agencies
Most states have a department or division that works to educate and inform children and parents about the dangers of drub abuse. Lists of agencies can be found at sites such as Sober Recovery (see Resources). Many of the agencies that serve the states are organizations that encompass representatives from many fields of addiction such as the Connecticut Clearinghouse and councils on substance abuse. Mental health and social service agencies usually participate or head up the state-run drug-prevention programs.
U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its goal is to support local communities in their prevention efforts in schools and workplaces. They have an advisory council and have developed various programs such as Building Blocks for a Better Future and the Reach Out Now Teach-In to give educators and parents tools to fight drug abuse in children.
National Institutes
The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism are divisions of the National Institutes of Health that provide research on drug prevention as well as tools for educators and the medical community to develop prevention programs. They provide valuable statistics to organizations as well as grants for prevention programs.
American Council for Drug Education
The American Council for Drug Education is a national nonprofit that provides programs and materials for local groups to use to build drug prevention programs. Their materials are based on scientific discoveries, social surveys and community impact studies. Specific materials are targeted to educators, parent groups, health professionals and employers.
Cultural
Cultural nonprofit agencies such as Arts and Education in Concert (AEIC) use their specific activities to offer alternatives to at-risk youths. AEIC is an agency that offers an Internet radio station for high school students to highlight their talents and art programs they can run in collaboration with local schools and social service agencies.
Research
One research agency working to provide viable prevention alternatives to states and local organizations and agencies is the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies in Nevada. They provide grants for research in the field, training in the prevention of substance abuse and online and in-person seminars.
