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date: 15 February 2025

Alcohol and Drug Problems: Preventionlocked

Alcohol and Drug Problems: Preventionlocked

  • Flavio F. Marsiglia, Flavio F. MarsigliaArizona State University
  • David BecerraDavid BecerraArizona State University
  • , and Jaime M. BoothJaime M. BoothArizona State University

Summary

Prevention is a proactive science-based process that aims to strengthen existing protective factors and to diminish or eliminate other factors that put individuals, families, and communities at risk for substance abuse. Prevention is important because alcohol and drug abuse are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health expenditures in the United States. Alcohol and other drug abuse is also associated with infectious diseases, chronic diseases, emergency room visits, newborn health problems, family violence, and auto fatalities. The comorbidity of drug and alcohol abuse with mental health disorders and HIV adds urgency to the development, evaluation, and implementation of comprehensive and effective prevention interventions. The social work profession plays a key role in substance abuse prevention, as it not only targets the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs but also aims at reducing the related negative health and psychosocial outcomes and economic burden they produce on individuals and society at large.

Subjects

  • Addictions and Substance Use
  • Clinical and Direct Practice
  • Human Behavior
  • Mental and Behavioral Health
  • Policy and Advocacy

Updated in this version

Prevention programs and information on substance abuse updated. Bibliography and citations expanded to reflect recent research.

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