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Prevention Research

Brief Description

Prevention science has made great progress in recent years. Many interventions are being tested in "real-world" settings so they can be more easily adapted for community use. Scientists are studying a broader range of populations and topics. They have identified, for example, effective interventions with younger populations to help prevent risky behaviors before drug abuse occurs. Researchers are also studying older teens who are already using drugs to find ways to prevent further abuse or addiction. Practical issues, such as cost-benefit analyses, are also being studied. Presenting these findings to the public is one of NIDA’s most important responsibilities.

Family Checkup link

Family Checkup

Developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon, Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse highlights parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth.

Drug Prevention Specialists Meet Community Leaders in NIDA-Sponsored Virtual Town Hall Event

To celebrate recent advances in drug prevention science, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sponsored its first virtual town hall meeting. This unique event on September 9, 2009 brought together representatives from key federal agencies involved in preventing and combating substance abuse in the United States.

Town Hall Summary (Selected Clips)

 

Update on Communities That Care prevention program.

 

Related Publications

Lessons from Prevention Research (DrugFacts)

Published February 2004. Revised August 2011.
Describes principles important to consider when developing drug abuse prevention programs and discusses issues relevant for family, school, and community settings. En Español

Publication Cover

Preventing Drug Abuse among Children and Adolescents (In Brief)

Published January 1997. Revised October 2003.
Presents research-based drug abuse prevention principles, an overview of program planning, and critical first steps for those learning about prevention. En Español

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Community Monitoring Systems: Tracking and Improving the Well-Being of America's Children and Adolescents

Published September 2007.
Describes community systems that monitor the well-being of children and adolescents and lists recommendations that define the next steps for creating and mentoring effective community monitoring systems.

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

This page was last updated December 2012

    Featured Publication

    Featured Publication

    Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

    As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.