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Review
. 2023 Mar;26(1):1-16.
doi: 10.1007/s10567-022-00420-5. Epub 2022 Dec 21.

A National Strategy for Preventing Substance and Opioid Use Disorders Through Evidence-Based Prevention Programming that Fosters Healthy Outcomes in Our Youth

Diana H Fishbein  1   2   3 , Zili Sloboda  4   5
Affiliations
Review

A National Strategy for Preventing Substance and Opioid Use Disorders Through Evidence-Based Prevention Programming that Fosters Healthy Outcomes in Our Youth

Diana H Fishbein et al. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

The recently released National Drug Control Strategy (2022) from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) lays out a comprehensive plan to, not only enhance access to treatment and increase harm reduction strategies, but also increase implementation of evidence-based prevention programming at the community level. Furthermore, the Strategy provides a framework for enhancing our national data systems to inform policy and to evaluate all components of the plan. However, not only are there several missing components to the Strategy that would assure its success, but there is a lack of structure to support a national comprehensive service delivery system that is informed by epidemiological data, and trains and credentials those delivering evidence-based prevention, treatment, and harm reduction/public health interventions within community settings. This paper provides recommendations for the establishment of such a structure with an emphasis on prevention. Systematically addressing conditions known to increase liability for behavioral problems among vulnerable populations and building supportive environments are strategies consistently found to avert trajectories away from substance use in general and substance use disorders (SUD) in particular. Investments in this approach are expected to result in significantly lower rates of SUD in current and subsequent generations of youth and, therefore, will reduce the burden on our communities in terms of lowered social and health systems involvement, treatment needs, and productivity. A national strategy, based on strong scientific evidence, is presented to implement public health policies and prevention services. These strategies work by improving child development, supporting families, enhancing school experiences, and cultivating positive environmental conditions.

Keywords: Comprehensive prevention system; Evidence-based; National strategy; Opioid use disorder; Prevention science; Public policy.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Etiological Model
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Opportunities for Intervention
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Interagency-Institution Coordination. Advisory Council Engaging Key Organizations. A deep understanding of research and evidence-based practices and policies increases the potential to positively impact those affected by the opioid crisis, stemming overdoses, and ensuring preparedness for future drug-related issues. It is especially essential that federal, state, and local leaders critically examine current approaches for addressing opioid addiction and overdoses to ensure the policies and programs implemented have maximal impact
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Proposed Structure for Model Substance Prevention Service Delivery System
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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