Community based prevention

This article highlights the key features of community based prevention and offers a first introduction to those who seek a basic understanding of what it is.

Introduction 

Community-wide prevention addresses the previous failure of single-strategy, single- system efforts to prevent drug use. It is also a method that addresses the underlying variables that correlate with problem behaviors such as drug abuse in the community.

All types of drug use prevention programmes, including those in the community, school and media, are most effective when tailored to local circumstances and culturally adapted, as appropriate.

Any prevention should focus on decreasing risk factors and increasing protective factors. A central objective in community based prevention is thus to perform a thorough mapping of these external factors at local level on a detailed level. The mapping exercise should involve the coalition of actoris in the relevant domains and sectors that is later expected to be involved in carrying out the program.

Drug use prevention interventions should include a wide spectrum of efforts in different domains involving individuals, peers, youth, families, schools, law enforcement and criminal justice entities, communities and society at large.

Building coalitions 

Locally developed drug use prevention efforts that involve multiple sectors of the community can contribute to building comprehensive and effective drug use prevention coalitions to address community problems, mobilize coalitions of youth, parents, educational and law enforcement institutions, businesses, the media, health-care providers and religious and fraternal organizations working in conjunction with government entities.

Holistic view 

Community based prevention is well designed to address and interrupt intergenerational cycles of addiction, violence and poverty. Family-based drug treatment and prevention programmes that improve parenting skills, keep families together and support their stability and wellbeing.

Prevention should be a component of other multisectoral community-based efforts, such as those aimed at preventing violence and eliminating poverty, among other efforts.

Campaignin 

Working at local level does not preclude nation wide campaigns. Media campaigns against drug use, when effectively tailored to local circumstances and including publications, television shows, Internet sites and other forums used by youth and the general public, can reinforce and supplement policies and programmes for preventing drug use and raise public awareness.