Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention Services are for youth who struggle in multiple areas of their lives. They may have tried alcohol or drugs, or they may have a number of other risk factors that increase the likelihood that they may become involved in alcohol or drug use. Adolescents will be assessed for service needs, enroll in a prevention education and participate in a support group.

*This service is not appropriate for youth who meet the diagnostic criteria to be eligible for substance abuse treatment services.

Who is Eligible for Adolescent Prevention Intervention Services?

Youth who:

Have multple risk factors
Experience failure in school
Do not meet criteria for treatment services
Have parents or friends who are using
have changes in personality
Need to develop social skills
Have a history of problem behaviors
Need a positive support system
Have favorable attitudes towards alcohol or drug use

What are risk factors?

Risk factors for a variety of problems, including substance abuse, were identified through research on youth. Youth with risk factors in multiple domains are at greater risk of starting alcohol and drug use & experiencing difficulties in life. There are four domains that risk factors fall into. They are:
1. Individual A. Friends who use B. Favorable attitudes toward drug use C. Alienation/rebelliousness D. Early initiation of alcohol/drug use 2. Family A. History of problem behaviors B. Management problems/Conflict C. Parental attitudes/use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs	3. School A. Early & persistent antisocial behavior B. Early academic failure C. Lack of commitment to school 4. Community A. Availability of Drugs B. Transition and mobility C. Laws/Norms favorable to drug use D. Low neighborhood attachment