Strategic Approaches to Prevention
Different prevention strategies can be used to address specific or general substance use. Prevention science involves using a planning framework that uses data to make informed decisions about what types of interventions are best suited to address substance abuse and its related problems in a community.
The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) uses a five-step planning process to guide states, jurisdictions, tribes, and communities in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of effective, culturally appropriate, and sustainable prevention activities.
The SPF provides a detailed process for communities to:
- Assess their prevention needs based on epidemiological data
- Build capacity for prevention
- Develop a strategic plan that identifies goals, objectives, and strategies
- Implement effective community prevention programs, policies, and practices
- Evaluate their efforts for outcomes.
The resource guides and tip sheets in the sidebar will be helpful in planning a strategic and effective prevention approach.