Substance Misuse Prevention

The Substance Misuse Prevention topic includes research on the prevention of substance use disorders (SUD) and the escalation of recreational/occasional use to SUD.

Evidence-based prevention strategies can provide long-term, cost-saving benefits for both personal and public health, particularly when implemented during childhood and adolescence. Effective prevention strategies are those designed to meet people’s needs at different stages of life—from the prenatal period through early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—and in varied settings such as family life, schools, healthcare settings, and communities.

Protective factors against substance misuse that may decrease a person’s risk of developing SUD include healthy family and peer relationships, and financial stability.