What is Prevention?

Prevention is any activity that is intended to reduce or minimize the incidence of drug abuse and its negative consequences.Central to drug prevention is the development and implementation of programs that prevent illicit drug use, keep drugs out of neighborhoods and schools, and provide a safe and secure environment for all people.Prevention strategies can vary widely but generally are associated with community based collaborations, education, alternative behaviors, and primary and early intervention activities.To give communities the science-based tools to prevent drug abuse, we must have research in several emerging areas of prevention.These principles and guidelines were drawn from literature reviews and guidance supported by the departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services as well as ONDCP.Read more.