Drug abuse occurs across all age groups, genders, socioeconomic statuses and races. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, research has demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of interventions to prevent drug abuse. Drug abuse interventions may be necessary on individual, family, school and government levels.
Communication
Talking about the risks and consequences of drug abuse can help prevent it from occurring. When people understand the effects that drug abuse can have on their physical and mental health, finances, relationships and academic and career success, the chances that they will abuse drugs will lessen.
For communication to be effective, it must be honest, emotional, sensitive and often. Dishonestly about the positive effects of drug use will not benefit the prevention process; it will only make people mistrusting of any other information that is communicated. Personal stories referring to the consequences of drug abuse should be used and told with emotion. Although, facts and statistics can be jarring, they are often not as easily remembered as personal stories. Communication must occur often so that when a person is tempted by drug abuse, they are constantly reminded of why they should stop themselves.
Effective Treatment
Some drug abuse occurs as a result of mental health disorders. People with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar or anxiety, use drugs as a way to self-medicate and reduce their symptoms. Involving people with mental health disorders in effective treatment programs and psychotherapies will reduce their desire to turn to drugs as a way to cope. Treatment should be started as soon as the symptoms of a mental health disorder become apparent and maintained until the treatment professional recommends a reduction or end to treatment.
Early Use
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, when a person begins using drugs early on in her life, her risk for more serious drug abuse or addiction problems increases. One of the best ways to prevent drug abuse is to prevent early use, notes the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Adults involved in the lives of teens and children should openly discuss drug use.
Caregivers must have close relationships with their children, and they should always be aware of their child's whereabouts and who their child is hanging out with. Caregivers should also help their children develop ways to refrain from drug use and say no to pressure from their peers.
