Substance abuse is one of the most pervasive problems facing our nation, costing over $275 billion in health care costs, lost productivity, related crime, and other social costs, and contributing to over 130,000 deaths each year. To help communities address the devastating effects of illicit drug and alcohol abuse, Promising Strategies to Reduce Substance Abuse has been developed to highlight best practices in prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. Prevention, treatment, and law enforcement strategies, discussed in separate chapters, act in concert with one another, comprehensively addressing substance abuse in various contexts. Collaboration among law enforcement, health, and social service agencies can help reduce demand, which fuels drug trafficking activities, often involving violence and crime. Treating addicts and preventing the onset of drug use can complement law enforcement efforts to reduce supply. Expanded research in drug abuse prevention over the last two decades has identified key elements of successful programming, discussed in the Prevention chapter. Recognizing risk and protective factors is an essential component of successful prevention programs. Treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse continues to evolve as more is learned about tailoring treatment to specific populations. Advances have been made in pharmacological treatments and in treatment for women, adolescents, and other specific populations. Creating a continuum of care from prison into the community, incorporating HIV prevention in treatment, and delivering essential support services, such as job counseling and child care, are elements of the new approaches to substance abuse. Criminal justice can have significant impact in reducing illicit drug and alcohol abuse. Law enforcement initiatives addressing substance abuse and related crime are now working more intimately with communities to solve local problems. Local law enforcement also collaborates effectively with federal anti-drug agencies, forming task forces to combat high rates of drug-related crime. Promising Strategies to Reduce Substance Abuse is intended to serve as a guide to communities by identifying the core elements of promising strategies and providing examples of programs that are making a difference locally.
Policy Paper
Promising Strategies to Reduce Substance Abuse
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