Normalization of Prevention Principles and Practices to Reduce Substance Use Disorders Through an Integrated Dissemination and Implementation Framework

Abstract

Major research breakthroughs over the past 30 years in the field of psychoactive substance use prevention research have served to: (1) improve understanding of pharmacological effects on the central nervous system and the health and social consequences of the use of these substances, particularly for children and adolescents, (2) delineate the determinants and processes that increase vulnerability to or, conversely, protect from the initiation of psychoactive substance use and progression to substance use disorder (SUD) and based on this understanding, (3) develop effective strategies to prevent the initiation and progression of psychoactive substance use.The challenge we now face is incorporating what we have learned from this research into the mindsets and work of those involved in supporting, planning and delivering prevention programming to populations around the world and integrating these scientific advances into existing service systems and, where applicable, within everyday life, i.e., to normalize them.Dissemination and implementation science provides a framework for this solid prevention research to fully achieve its potential.

Leveraging North Carolina’s Assets to Prevent Child Trauma

“…Prevention strategies that increase awareness/education, enrich daily interactions with each other and with our young people, and ensure that systems are evidence-based and trauma-informed can be normalized and embedded into our daily lives [17]. Research demonstrates that providing easily accessible resources and expanding community opportunities available to children and families can lead to positive outcomes [18].…”

Is it possible to reduce population levels of illegal drugs use?

“…Typically, prevention of drug use in the UK has been limited to youth services or delivered through school based activities and brief interventions. Instead, a multilevel approach should be adopted with activities expanded beyond traditional providers, and prevention principles embedded across diverse settings, including where people socialise 111213. Ideally, all professionals that regularly come into contact with children and young adults should have the skills to recognise substance related risks, provide brief information and advice, and offer information about and referrals to more specialist support 14.…”

Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research

“…The field of prevention science is instrumental in designing, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based programs and interventions to prevent substance use among young people, to reduce harms associated with substance use, and to promote health [ 1 ]. Thought leaders in substance use prevention science argue that the field should focus on developing the workforce of prevention specialists [ 1 ] and a robust prevention infrastructure [ 2 ] in order to translate prevention science into services [ 3 ].…”

“…The field of prevention science is instrumental in designing, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based programs and interventions to prevent substance use among young people, to reduce harms associated with substance use, and to promote health [ 1 ]. Thought leaders in substance use prevention science argue that the field should focus on developing the workforce of prevention specialists [ 1 ] and a robust prevention infrastructure [ 2 ] in order to translate prevention science into services [ 3 ]. This brief comment is meant for researchers and practice-oriented professionals focused on improving substance use prevention practice; we offer specific competencies that are needed for the prevention workforce in order to meaningfully engage youth in prevention.…”