What is alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention?

The resources below include key definitions and classifications related to prevention.

• Definition of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) created online training modules to provide an overview of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) and how to use the funding. A definition of primary prevention is available by clicking on the link below.
    SABG Primary Prevention – 2015

  • A basic training that defines and provides an overview of AOD prevention.
    Defining Substance Use Disorder Prevention (page 3)

• Levels of Substance Use (Use vs. Abuse)

  • A basic training on the levels of substance use which includes an overview of the differences between substance use, misuse, and abuse.
    Defining Substance Use Disorder Prevention (pages 4-5)

• Drug Classifications

  • A basic training on the drug classifications, specific substances, and impact on the body.
    Drug Classifications

• Federal and State Prevention Systems

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) created online training modules to provide an overview of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) and how to use the funding.
    SABG Primary Prevention – 2015

  • A basic training on the federal and state prevention systems including statewide SABG grantee structure and discussion of the prevention field in California.
    The National and State Prevention Systems

• Prevention Acronyms

  • Prevention uses multiple acronyms which may not be intuitive for those new to prevention. A downloadable list of acronyms used by those working in the prevention field has been created and is available for download. This list will be updated as needed on an ongoing basis.
    Prevention Acronyms Handout

Why is prevention effective?

The resources below include evidence-based theories that provide the scientific foundation of the efficacy of primary prevention programs and services.  

• Risk and Protective Factor Theory

  • A basic training on key prevention theories, including Risk and Protective Factors.
    Foundational Prevention Theories (pages 4-16)

  • A National Institute of Drug Abuse document that provides an overview of risk and protective factors and how they are addressed in prevention programs.
    Preventing Drug Use among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide for Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders

• Public Health Model

  • A basic training on key prevention theories, including an overview of the Public Health Model.
    Foundational Prevention Theories (pages 20-22)

• Resiliency Theory

  • A basic training on key prevention theories, including an overview of Resiliency Theory.
    Foundational Prevention Theories (pages 17-19)

Which populations are served through prevention programs, services, and activities?

Prevention programs, services, and activities are provided to different individuals and groups based on risk levels. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines risk classifications to identify appropriate SUD Pv services. 

• Institute of Medicine (IOM)

  • SAMHSA developed an online training to provide an overview of the IOM populations.
    The Six Primary Prevention Strategies and the Institute of Medicine Model – 2015

  • A basic training on the IOM population levels that can be served by prevention programs and activities.
    Institute of Medicine

  • A document that provides an overview of how the IOM can be used for prevention planning and implementation of services.
    The IOM: A Tool for Prevention Planning and Implementation

What do prevention services look like?

Six standard categories for prevention strategies have been created by SAMHSA and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).  These service categories are used to develop and implement prevention programs, services, and activities.

• CSAP Strategies

  • SAMHSA created an online training that provides an overview of the CSAP prevention strategies and how they are tied to SABG funded services.
    Primary Prevention and the Six Strategies – 2015

  • A basic training on the CSAP prevention strategies and how they can be implemented.  Examples of each strategy are provided.
    CSAP: 6 Prevention Strategies

  • A resource developed to provide an overview of environmental prevention, one of the six CSAP strategies.
    Environmental Prevention

How do you prepare to implement prevention programs, services, and activities?

SAMHSA developed the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) using data-based outcomes to inform and evaluate the development and implementation of prevention programs, services, and activities.  

• SPF

  • Separate online training courses have been created for each of the five SPF steps: Assessment, Capacity Building, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.
    https://carsonline.moodlecloud.com

  • A basic training overview of the SPF and each planning phase has been created.
    The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)

  • Assessment: Resource to introduce the concept of creating a needs assessment to identify prevention needs.
    SPF: Tip Sheet 1 – Conducting a Needs Assessment

  • Planning: Resource to introduce how data can be used to establish prevention priorities and plan prevention programs and activities.
    Using Data to Establish Needs: Using the SPF Planning Process

  • Planning: A training to introduce the concept of logic models and the steps on how to develop one.
    Webinar – Introduction to Logic Models
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  • Planning: Resource on how to identify appropriate evidence-based prevention practices based on need.
    Selecting and Implementing Evidence Based Prevention through the SPF Process

  • Cultural Competence: A basic training on the topic of cultural competence and steps to ensure that prevention programs and services are culturally appropriate.
    Webinar – Introduction to Cultural Competence

  • Sustainability: Resource to introduce the concept of sustainability by enhancing capacity building.
    Sustaining Prevention: Eight Capacity Building Factors for Success

How do you create tailored prevention programs for specific focus populations?

• Culturally Competent Prevention Services

  • A webinar training series introducing the concepts of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) and each of the identified standards.
    CLAS Webinar Series

  • A document that provides an overview of best practices for prevention services for Military members and their families.
    Preventing Substance Abuse in Military Members and Their Families

  • A document that provides an overview of how to tailor prevention services for youth in the foster care system.
    Preventing Substance Abuse Among Youth in Foster Care