Preventing Substance Abuse - What Science Shows and What Is Effective

Substance abuse is ranked as the number one underlying cause for health, family, and societal problems in America (Hanson et al., 2009). Most substance prevention programs are not research based and have been ineffective at helping adolescents and young adults choose to make good decisions (NIAAA, 2008). Understanding motivational interviewing and counseling techniques is essential to effective implementation of prevention programs. Science shows adolescents and young adults are vulnerable to serious brain impairments and addictions, in part, due to incomplete development of the memory (e.g., hippocampus) and pleasure reward centers of the brain (Lubman, Yücel, & Hall, 2007; Clark, Thatcher, & Tapert, 2008).

Individuals start experimenting with drugs and alcohol during adolescence or young adulthood. While no one sets out to become addicted, recreational use of substances often gravitates towards abuse and serious consequences for the user and society. Research on adolescent and college drinking trends indicates a critical need for updates to existing prevention programs (Masten, Faden, Zucker, & Spear, 2008; Ford, 2007). We now know that the younger one starts using alcohol and drugs the more likely they are to become addicted and suffer from lifelong problems (NIAAA, 2008). Yet, only 15% of all treatment programs are designed to help adolescents who can benefit the most from early prevention and treatment efforts (Miller & Carroll, 2006). We will expose many common misconceptions such as the notion of “hitting rock bottom” which have particularly detrimental implications for adolescents and young adults (NIAAA, 2008).

This session will describe our current research findings on alcohol, energy drinks, drug use, and related risk taking behaviors (drinking & driving) among college students. We will also present significant findings from other researchers and explain new research based guidelines for effective treatment and prevention programs. We offer practical solutions to existing problems and misconceptions within the most popular prevention programs. Specific guidelines for developing effective prevention and treatment programs will be described in detail. To help those in need it is critical to understand how substances change the users thought processes and how to communicate effectively with the afflicted. Utilizing the entire community, this session will focus on data driven strategies and innovative ideas to help adolescents and young adults make better decisions as well as re-examine current treatment protocols. If there has ever been a time to rethink and improve existing alcohol and substance abuse programs it is now!