Prevention Tactics
"No single policy or program measure will be effective. Rather, a broad mix of initiatives is required, with the interventions varying according to the circumstances of each country"–WHO (1999). What in the World Works? International Consultation on Tobacco and Youth.
Methamphetamine can feel like a "larger than life" issue and trying to address the problem can feel even more overwhelming. That is why it is so important to approach the problem from a variety of fronts and with an arsenal of tactics. As with any good prevention effort, the approach must be comprehensive.
September, 2002 marked the beginning of a new year for students of the elite high school in upstate New York known for its elevated test scores and affluent population. Like many other high schools across the nation, Scarsdale hosted its homecoming dance one Friday night that fall. Like many other high school students across the nation, Scarsdale students celebrated their homecoming by showing up to their school dance drunk.
In recent years, prevention planners and policy makers have focused increasingly on identifying populations with differing prevention needs. Greater focus on diverse population needs will help meet multiple policy and planning objectives by better aligning need and services, and supporting more efficient allocation of resources. Importantly, it will also strengthen implementation and use of evaluation and evidence-based practice.
