NCJ Number
153638
Date Published
Unknown
Length
48 pages
Annotation
The Join Together Public Policy Panel on Preventing Substance Abuse prepared six major recommendations for policymakers and communities, based on discussions with community representatives from around the country. The recommendations are summarized here and accompanied by key steps and strategies for implementation, examples of successful community action, and lists of resources.
Abstract
The first recommendation is that Federal, State, and local policies should encourage communities to engage in comprehensive strategic planning to prevent the unlawful use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; these strategies should be supported by long-term commitments of funding, training, and other resources. Public officials and community groups should work together to encourage all local institutions and public and private organizations to incorporate prevention principles into their ongoing programs. Federal, State, and local policies should be established to prevent and reduce traumatic injury and violence related to the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. Policies should also be reviewed and modified to eliminate illegal access to alcohol and tobacco. Federal and State governments should improve their efforts to collect and disseminate timely, culturally sensitive public and scientific information on substance abuse and prevention issues. Finally, agencies on every level should increase their emphasis on accountability and evaluation of prevention efforts.