Everyone Plays a Role in Prevention

 

Since 1985, InnerAct Alliance has been dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use - but for prevention to truly work, it take a community effort. Working together across various community sectors including schools, government, healthcare, faith communities, and families, we can create a stronger community that supports everyone, especially young people who are doing their best to make the right choices! 💪

How Do Evidence-Based Prevention Programs Work? - prevention programs help to boost protective factors and eliminate/reduce risk factors. Perception of the harm of substance use is a significant protective factor against the risk of engaging in substance use. Building a knowledge base of the facts of negative health effects can be effective in building that perception. 

Most adolescents are satisfied by knowing the risks of substance use when they realize it doesn't match their health goals, but sadly some are not yet convinced. Instead, they may find ways to dismiss the seriousness or choose not to believe they'll be the one to experience negative consequences.

To overcome these unhealthy coping strategies, effective prevention education programs help to build a solid foundation of self-efficacy and interpersonal skills. This prepares teens to navigate the complex social dynamics that may model and accept risky behavior and minimize the risk of negative consequences. Equipped with knowledge and tools, youth learn how to weigh the cost to their futures in health, social, and legal risks of substance use and instead seek out alternative activities to achieve similar goals.

Skills like setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, communicating effectively, identifying and managing emotions, and bonding with their pro-social peers prepare youth to refuse peer pressure and influence. It can also help them solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, and find other ways to meet the challenges in life without turning to substance use to escape, relax, rebel, or experiment.

As soon as they discover the path they are on and develop the skills to protect their goals, teens are more inclined to choose actions consistent with their goals and not risk participating in any risky behaviors that could interfere with their ability to reach them.