Prevention and Culture: A Theoretical Perspective (From Prevention Practice in Substance Abuse, P 139-147, 1995, Carl G Leukefeld and Richard R Clayton, eds. -- See NCJ-157443)

• NCJ Number: 157454
• Author(s): B Segal
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews the relationship between drug-prevention program effectiveness and culturally relevant strategies.

Abstract

Although alcohol and drug prevention programs have undergone major changes, the theoretical underpinnings of prevention are still unclear; there are also deficiencies regarding evaluation procedures. Prevention efforts persist, however, and the field of prevention is becoming more sophisticated, as it involves schools, parents, and communities in alcohol and drug prevention programs. Prevention activities will be strengthened if they reflect the attitudes, beliefs, and social and cultural experiences of the target group. Segal (1985-86) noted, for example, that prevention efforts must focus on the individual and on the individual's motives for trying drugs and less on the drugs themselves. Further, prevention planning must correspond with current trends or drug-use fads in various segments of the population; for example, a long-term prevention strategy may not be relevant if the drug-use patterns have changed. To be effective, new prevention strategies must correspond to changing patterns of drug use for effective intervention. 6 references