# Presentation: 485754

## Preventing Substance Use and Abuse in Utah

- Who Is At Risk
- And What Can We Do About It?
- The Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is the State agency responsible for ensuring that prevention and treatment services for substance abuse and mental health are available statewide.

**State of Utah**
**Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health**

## Goals of Presentation

- To educate the residents of Utah on the importance of preventing substance use/abuse among both youth and adults.
- To increase knowledge regarding the consequences of substance use/abuse in the State of Utah.
- To motivate lawmakers and stakeholders to designate additional dollars to the prevention of substance use/abuse in the State of Utah.

## The State of Utah

- Note: Within many of the following slides, comparisons are made between Utah and the United States.  In an effort to make this presentation understood by the general population and all target groups, data was included from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health via the National Outcomes Measure report for the state of Utah, and does not include statistical analysis between Utah and the United States.  Because of this, and due to demographic and other differences between the samples, caution must be used when interpreting this data.

## Targeted Geographical Area: The State of Utah

- Utah was the 45th state to enter the United States (January 4, 1896).
- Utah ranks as the 34th most populous state in the United States with a total population of 2,645,330.
- Approximately 3⁄4 (76%) of Utah’s population lives along the Wasatch front (Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber counties).
- Utah is 84,916 sq. miles; 65% of which is owned by the federal government.
- Sources:  www.utah.gov, US Census Bureau, 2007 estimates

## Targeted Population:                The State of Utah

- Utah ranks 1st in the US for the average household size (3.08 persons/household as compared to 2.61 for US).
- Utah has an equal number of males and females, which is similar to the gender distribution for the US.
- The majority of Utah’s population is White (89.1%) as compared to 73.9% for the US.
- The median age of Utah residents is 28.4 as compared to 36.4 for the US.

- Source: US Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey

## Targeted Population:                The State of Utah (continued)      

| Race/Ethnicity | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- |
| White | 89.1% | 73.9% |
| Black/African American | 0.9% | 12.4% |
| American Indian/Alaskan Native | 1.1% | 0.8% |
| Asian | 1.9% | 4.4% |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% | 0.1% |
| Some other race | 4.5% | 6.3% |
| Two or more races | 1.8% | 2.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 11.2% | 14.8% |

**Targeted Population:                The State of Utah (continued)****      **

- Source: US Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey

## Targeted Population: The State of Utah (continued)

| Age | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0 – 9 years | 18.0% | 13.4% |
| 10 – 14 years | 8.6% | 6.9% |
| 15 – 19 years | 9.7% | 7.2% |
| 20 – 24 years | 10.1% | 7.0% |
| 25 – 44 years | 28.0% | 28.0% |
| 45 – 64 years | 17.0% | 24.9% |
| 65 – 84 years | 7.5% | 10.8% |
| 85 years and older | 1.0% | 1.7% |

- Source: www.utah.gov and US Census Bureau, 2000

## Utah: Quick Facts Regarding Substance Abuse

- Alcohol continues to be the most commonly abused substance in Utah.
- Methamphetamine use has increased at an alarming rate – it is the primary illicit drug of choice for all individuals over 18 – exceeding marijuana, heroin and cocaine use.
- Fatalities due to prescription medication continue to be on the rise in Utah.  In 2003, poisoning surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of injury death in Utah.  The majority of these deaths involved opioids.
- Source: www.utah.gov and www.health.utah.gov

## Epidemiological 

**Indicator Data **
**for Substance Abuse **
**in Utah**

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in Utah

- The State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW):
- The State of Utah received funding in October 2005 from the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) to organize and convene a SEOW.
- The primary task of the SEOW is to collect and interpret data related to consumption and consequences of substance use and abuse in the State of Utah.
- Future work by the SEOW will begin to analyze substance use and consequence issues and trends at sub-state levels and in more specific populations within the state.  Additionally, the data will be examined geographically and by demographic variables to determine which parts of the state and which populations are of highest need.

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Alcohol Use (2002-2005)**
- While the percentage of Utah residents ages 12-17 were less likely to use alcohol in the past 30 days as compared to the US, _these percentages continued to increase each year for Utah, as the US percentages decreased._
- Percentages for the Utah 18 and older population continued to be lower when compared to the US and stayed consistent over the past three fiscal years.

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage using alcohol during the past 30 days | 
12-17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 9.9 %
11.3 %
12.4 % | 17.7 %
17.6 %
16.5 % |
| Percentage using alcohol during the past 30 days | 18 and older | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 30.0 %
30.2 %
30.2 % | 53.9 %
54.1%
55.9 % |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Alcohol Use (2002-2005)**
- Both the 12-17 and 18 and older populations in Utah _used alcohol more frequently_ as compared to the US population.  In addition, while the US population stayed consistent over the three year period, _Utah’s rates increased overall for both the 12-17 and 18 and older populations_.

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Average number of days of alcohol use during the past 30 days among users | 
12-17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 5.0 days
5.0 days
6.2 days | 4.5 days
4.5 days
4.7 days |
| Average number of days of alcohol use during the past 30 days among users | 18 and older
 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 9.3 days
8.6 days
9.5 days | 8.6 days
8.6 days
8.5 days |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Marijuana Use (2002-2005)**
- While the percentage of Utah residents ages 12-17 and 18 and older were less likely to use marijuana in the past 30 days as compared to the US, these percentages _continued to increase each year for Utah_, getting closer to the US average._ _

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage using marijuana during the past 30 days | 
12-17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 4.5 %
3.5 %
5.6 % | 7.9 %
7.6 %
6.8 % |
| Percentage using marijuana during the past 30 days | 18 and older
 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 3.1 %
3.9 %
 4.3 % |  6.0 %
 5.9 %
5.9 % |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Marijuana Use (2003-2005)**
- Utah marijuana users ages 12-17 _smoked marijuana more days during the past 30 days_ as compared to the US population.

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Average number of days of marijuana use during the past 30 days among users | 
12-17 | 2003-2004
2004-2005 | 11.3 days
10.6 days
 | 10.9 days
9.9 days |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Illegal Drug Use – other than marijuana (2002-2005)**
- The percentage of Utah residents using illegal drugs other than marijuana for both the 12-17 and 18 and older populations _has continued to increase over the years, surpassing the US average._

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage using illegal drugs other than marijuana during the past 30 days | 
12-17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 4.9 %
4.3 %
6.1 % | 5.7 %
5.3 %
4.1% |
| Percentage using illegal drugs other than marijuana during the past 30 days | 18 and older
 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 2.8 %
3.7 %
4.2 % | 3.5 %
3.2 %
3.5 % |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Non-Medical Pain Reliever Use (2002-2005)**
- The percentage of Utah residents using non-medical pain relievers for ages 12 and older _has continued to increase over the years, and has continued to surpass the US average._

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage using non-medical pain relievers  | 
12 - 17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 7.81
7.05
7.88 | 7.61
7.53
7.13 |
| Percentage using non-medical pain relievers  | 
18 - 25 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 11.95
14.10
13.49 | 11.70
11.95
12.16 |
| Percentage using non-medical pain relievers | 26 and older | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 3.27
3.61
4.32 | 3.20
3.16
3.15 |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Drug Overdoses in 2006**
- A total of 485 drug overdoses were investigated by the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME).  Statistics for 466 of these cases are listed below, reporting that _2/3 (66%) of the overdoses were related to non-illicit drugs only_ and an additional _14% of the overdoses were related to a combination of illicit and non-illicit drugs_.

| Data Collected | Age | # of People | % of Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Utah residents overdosing from illicit drugs only | 16-59 | 96 | 21% |
| Utah residents overdosing from a combination of illicit and non-illicit drugs  | 18-61 | 63 | 14% |
| Utah residents overdosing from non-illicit drugs only | 16-80 | 307 | 66% |

- Source: www.health.utah.gov

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Treatment (2002-2005)**
- Utah residents 12 and older continue to _have a more difficult time receiving treatment for illicit drug abuse_ as compared to the US population.  In addition, _trends are showing a decrease in availability of treatment_ for Utah residents.

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage needing but not receiving treatment for illicit drug abuse in past year | 
12 or older | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 2.7 %
2.9 %
3.2 % | 2.7 %
2.7 %
2.7 % |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Epidemiological Indicator Data for Substance Abuse in UtahSuccesses and Challenges

**Parent-Child Communication (2002-2005)**
- The percentage of Utah parents who talk with their children about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use has steadily declined, and _is now below the US average_.

| Data Collected | Age | Year | Utah | US |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage of parents reporting talking to their child about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during the past 12 months | 
12-17 | 2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005 | 94.9 %
87.4 %
85.5 % | 91.9 %
92.1 %
90.6 % |

- Source: SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005

## Consequences of Substance Use and Abuse

- The consequences of substance use and abuse are many.  Following is brief list of some of those consequences:

| Alcohol Use Consequences | Tobacco Use Consequences | Other Drug use Consequences |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alcohol Related Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities  | Lung Cancer  | Accidental and Undetermined Intent Drug Poisoning Deaths  |
| # of Fatal Alcohol Related Vehicle Crashes  | Other Lung Disease | Intentional (Suicide) Drug Poisoning Deaths |
| Alcoholic Cirrhosis  | Cardiovascular Disease  | Violent Crimes |
| Emergency Department Encounters, Toxic Effect of Alcohol  | Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease  | Emergency Department Encounters for Narcotics Overdose  |

## Substance Abuse Services in Utah

## Current Substance Abuse Services in Utah

- Statewide, 13 local substance abuse authorities offer outpatient treatment and prevention services to individuals and their family members.  Every other year, these substance abuse authorities complete a resource inventory of substance abuse services and identify gaps in services as well.
- Residential and day treatment may be available and is dependent on local resources and priorities.
- Thirty-two (32) drug courts are operated statewide, offering nonviolent, drug abusing offenders with intensive, court supervised drug treatment as an alternative to jail or prison.
- Multiple prevention programs are operating in Utah schools, churches and communities.
- Source: www.utah.gov

## Current Substance Abuse Services in Utah (continued)

**Examples  of three prevention programs in Utah include:  **

| 
Program
  | The Parent and Teen Alternative Program | 
Family Works | Personal Education Program (PEP)  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agency | Weber Human Services | Bear River Health Department | Southwest Behavioral Health Center |
| Model or Evidence-Based Program | Yes, evidence-based | Yes, use NICASA parenting curriculum | Currently going through NREPP process |
| Target Population | Youth 12-17 and their parents | Working parents of teenagers | Selected and some indicated |
| Community- or School-Based | Community-based | Community-based | School-based |

## Current Substance Abuse Services in Utah (continued)

| 
Program Name | The Parent and Teen Alternative Program | 
Family Works | 
PEP |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Funding | $491,580 | $21,000 | Not provided |
| Total number of staff | 8 full-time and 2 part-time | 10 hrs/wk divided between a few employees and 3 facilitators. | 7 full-time staff across 5 counties |
| # of years offered | 20 years (modified over the years) | 5 years | 10 years; one school in 1998; now in 20 schools & 5 counties. |

## Current Substance Abuse Services in Utah (continued)

| Program Name | The Parent and Teen Alternative Program | 
Family Works | 
PEP |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Key outcomes |   Knowledge of risk factors for addiction
 Perceived risk/harm associated with teen substance use.
  Knowledge about substances
  positive family communication and problem-solving skills
  family bonding
  in teen substance use
 less likelihood to re-offend with substance use |   in family conflict
 Improved stress management skills
  parent-child affective quality

 |  Personal assistance in multiple areas of student life
  GPA
  absences |
| Perception of greatest need in Utah | First offenders or those identified at-risk of using | Not provided | Greatest need is in rural areas  |

## The Costs and 

**Benefits ****of Prevention**

## Defining Cost, Effectiveness, and Benefit as They Relate to Substance Abuse Prevention

*Cost *can be defined as the monetary value of resources required to provide a substance abuse prevention service.
*Effectiveness* can be defined as the potential to reduce an existing problem or to prevent/reduce the likelihood of a future problem – so as to reduce future demand for health services (e.g., substance abuse treatment) or other services (e.g.,  incarceration).
*Benefit *can be measured as an economic and social value to an individual and society as a whole.  Examples of how benefits might be measured include:  estimating lives saved; reduction in the number of individuals requiring treatment; reduction in crime, arrests or incarceration.

## The Costs and Benefits of Prevention

- According to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (2004), there is credible evidence that certain well-implemented prevention programs _can achieve significantly more benefits than costs_.
- Ultimately, taxpayers will be better off if investments are made in these successful research-based programs.

## Costs and Benefits of Prevention (continued)

- In reviewing the economic benefits of prevention programs, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (2004) found:
- Investments in effective programs for juvenile offenders have the _highest net benefit_ – yielding a return of $1,900 to $31,200 per youth.
- Many substance abuse prevention programs for youth are relatively inexpensive and cost effective; _they are worth the investment._

## Risk and 

**Protective Factors **

## Risk and Protective Factor Model(Hawkins and Catalano Model*)

- Many states, school districts and local agencies have adopted the Risk and Protective Factor Model to guide their prevention efforts.
- This model is based on the simple premise that to prevent a problem from happening, we need to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing and then find ways to reduce that risk.

- *The Hawkins and Catalano Model is one of several theoretical perspectives used in the field of prevention.

## Risk Factors	

- Risk factors are characteristics of school, community, and family environments, as well as characteristics of students and their peer groups.
- Researchers have identified 19 risk factors that are known to predict increased likelihood of drug use, delinquency, school drop-out, teen pregnancy, and violent behavior among youth.
- Of the 19 risk factors, 18 relate specifically to drug use.  These 18 risk factors are addressed on the following slides.

## Community Risk Factors Showing a Link to Substance Abuse

| Community 
Risk Factors | Utah Specific Data |
| --- | --- |
| Availability of Drugs and Firearms | Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Availability of Drugs.  Salt Lake County also has percentages above the state average.  Central Region has the highest percentage for self-reported Availability of Handguns.   |
| Community Laws/ Norms Favorable Toward Drug Use, Firearms and Crime | Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Laws and Norms Favorable to Drug Use.  Four Corners Region was also above the state average. |
| Transitions and Mobility | No Data Available |
| Low Neighborhood Attachment/Community Disorganization | Tooele County has the highest percentage for self-reported Low Neighborhood Attachment.  Weber County and the Northeastern Region also have percentages above the state average.  Four Corners Region has the highest percentage for self-reported community disorganization.  Tooele and Salt Lake City counties also have percentages above the state average. |
| Extreme Economic and Social Deprivation | Emery, Garfield and San Juan Counties have the highest unemployment rates in Utah. |

- Sources: www.utah.gov and the Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## Family Risk Factors Showing a Link to Substance Abuse

| Family Risk Factors | Utah Specific Data
 |
| --- | --- |
| Family History of the Problem Behavior | Tooele County has the highest percentage of self-reported Family History of Antisocial Behavior.  The Four Corners Region, Morgan, and Weber Counties also have percentages above the state average. |
| Family Management Problems | Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Poor Family Management.  |
| Family Conflict | Tooele County has the highest percentage for self-reported Family Conflict.  Salt Lake County also has percentages above the state average. |
| Favorable Parental Attitudes and Involvement in the Problem Behavior | Summit County has the highest percentage of self-reported Parental Attitudes Favoring Antisocial Behavior and Drug Use.  |

- Sources: _[www.utah.gov](http://www.utah.gov/)_ and the Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## School Risk Factors Showing a Link to Substance Abuse

| School Risk Factors | Utah Specific Data |
| --- | --- |
| Academic Failure in Elementary School | Weber and Morgan Counties have the highest percentages for self-reported Academic Failure.  Tooele County also has percentages above the state average. |
| Lack of Commitment to School | Summit County and Four Corners Region have the highest percentages for self-reported Low Commitment to School.  Salt Lake County also has percentages above the state average.   |

- Sources: _[www.utah.gov](http://www.utah.gov/)_ and the Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## Peer/Individual Risk Factors Showing a Link to Substance Abuse

| Peer/Individual Risk Factors | Utah Specific Data |
| --- | --- |
| Early and Persistent Antisocial Behavior | Tooele County has the highest percentage for self-reported Early Initiation of Antisocial Behavior.  Weber and Morgan Counties also have percentages above the state average.  Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Anti-Social Behavior.  Salt Lake County also has percentages above the state average for Rewards for Anti-Social Behavior. |
| Alienation and Rebelliousness | Wasatch County has the highest percentage for self-reported Rebelliousness.  Salt Lake County also has percentages above the state average. |
| Friends who Use Drugs and Engage in a Problem Behavior | Tooele County has the highest percentage for self-reported Interaction with Antisocial Peers.  Weber and Morgan Counties also have percentages above the state average.  Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Friends Use of Drugs.  Summit County also has percentages above the state average for Friends Use of Drugs. |

- Sources: _[www.utah.gov](http://www.utah.gov/)_ and the Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## Peer/Individual Risk Factors Showing a Link to Substance Abuse (continued)

| Peer/Individual Risk Factors | Utah Specific Data |
| --- | --- |
| Gang Involvement | Data not Available. |
| Favorable Attitudes Toward Drug Use and Other Problem Behaviors | Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Attitudes Favoring Antisocial Behavior; Attitudes Favoring Drug Use; and Perceived Risk of Drug Use.  Summit County and the Four Corners region also have percentages above the state average for Perceived Risk of Drug Use. |
| Early Initiation of the Problem Behavior | Summit County has the highest percentage for self-reported Early Initiation of Drug Use.  Tooele, Weber and Morgan Counties also have percentages above the state average. |
| Constitutional Factors | San Juan County has the highest percentage for self-reported Depressive Symptoms.  Tooele County and the Four Corners Region also have percentages above the state average. |

- Sources: _[www.utah.gov](http://www.utah.gov/)_ and the Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## Protective Factors	

- Protective factors exert a positive influence or buffer against the negative influence of risk, thus reducing the likelihood that adolescents will engage in problem behavior.
- Protective factors identified through research include social bonding to family, school, community and peers; healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior; and individual characteristics.

## Summary of Protective Factors by County

| Domain | Most Protected County(ies) | Least Protected County(ies) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Community | -Bear River Region
-Utah County | -Salt Lake County
-Weber and 
Morgan Counties |
| Family | -Central Region
-San Juan County | -Weber and Morgan Counties
-Tooele County |
| School | -Central Region
-Southwestern Region | -Salt Lake County
-Weber and Morgan Counties |
| Peer/Individual | -Utah County
-Central Region
-Bear River Region | -Weber and Morgan Counties
-Tooele County
-Four Corners Region |

- Sources: Utah Board of Juvenile Statistics, 2005 and 2007

## Risk and Protective Factors and their Relationship to Prevention Programs

- By measuring risk and protective factors in a population, prevention programs can be implemented to reduce the elevated risk factors and increase the protective factors identified for each county/targeted area.

## Legislative 

**Expenditures****Substance Abuse ****Treatment **
**vs. Prevention**

## Legislative ExpendituresSubstance Abuse Treatment vs. Prevention

- Within the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, the dollar amount spent on substance abuse treatment for the most current fiscal year (FY 2008) was easy to access.  The total amount spent on treatment during this time period equals $44,704,100 (state, federal and Medicaid funds).

## Legislative ExpendituresSubstance Abuse Treatment vs. Prevention

- Determining the dollar amount spent on substance abuse prevention during this same time period proved to be more difficult.  After numerous telephone calls to many state analysts, only two contacts within the Utah Department of Health could provide some information regarding substance abuse prevention dollars spent:

## Legislative ExpendituresSubstance Abuse Treatment vs. Prevention

- The Utah Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, produces annual reports providing budget information.  The most recent report for FY 2007 listed the total dollars spent, equaling $18,317,678.  However, when discussing this budget with the Program Manager, she stated that it was difficult to determine exactly how much of these dollars were spent on prevention as her staff does not record every minute of time spent within the program , whether it is related to prevention or another aspect of public health.
- Within the Utah Council for Crime and Prevention, approximately $25,000 is used to monitor the DARA program for the state of Utah.  In addition, approximately $175,000 is spent on ad time for the Partnership for a Drug Free America, with additional dollars being provided by the TV stations ($1-$3 per every dollar provided by the state).

## Legislative ExpendituresSubstance Abuse Treatment vs. Prevention

- Additional Internet research into the amount of substance abuse prevention dollars spent in Utah led to House Bill 137, which provides $300,000 over a two-year period (FY 2008 and FY 2009) for pain medication management and education.  In essence, the goal of this Bill is to reduce deaths and other harm from prescription opiates utilized for chronic pain.

## Legislative ExpendituresSubstance Abuse Treatment vs. Prevention

- The Utah.gov website provides further information related to substance abuse prevention services offered throughout individual counties.  Utah county websites also offer a wealth of information related to substance abuse prevention services offered within their counties (i.e., Salt Lake County alone lists 20 providers of substance abuse prevention services).  However, without an extensive review of agency funding amounts and funding sources, it is not possible to determine the amount of substance abuse prevention dollars spent in any given year.

## Conclusions 

- and
- Recommendations

## Conclusions and Recommendations	

| Conclusions/
Key Findings | Recommendations |
| --- | --- |
| The data collection system for substance abuse in Utah is across numerous agencies, who all have different goals and objectives (there is a lack of consolidated, current information).  In order to obtain a true picture of the substance use/abuse problems in Utah, one must spend numerous hours researching several extensive documents from several different agencies. | The SEOW should develop a strategic plan that includes a comprehensive profile of Utah’s substance abuse issues for the state of Utah and each individual county/region, to include the following sections: 1) Epidemiologic Profile, 2) Needs Assessment, 3) Resource inventory, 4) Gap Analysis, 5) Potential Strategies and Interventions, 6) Prioritization of Populations and Interventions, 7) Goals and Objectives, and 8) Linkages. |

## Conclusions and Recommendations

| Conclusions/
Key Findings | Recommendations |
| --- | --- |
| Those counties most at risk for substance abuse problems include: Summit County, Tooele County, Salt Lake County, Four Counties Region, Weber County and Morgan County. | Create strategic plans for these counties/regions first, and create a task force of stakeholders to address each plan.  |
| Between 1999 and 2003, prescription drug use has increased substantially in the State of Utah.
 | Research, analyze and report on current data related to the prescription drug issues in Utah, as data for 2004-2008 is not readily accessible or available.  Utah data should be compared to US data in addition to showing trends within Utah. |

## Conclusions and Recommendations

| Conclusions/
Key Findings | Recommendations |
| --- | --- |
| While Utah is below the national average with regard to many at risk substance abuse behaviors, trends show an increase in at risk behaviors in several areas and/or age groups. | In addition to the SEOW’s Final Report, the following data should be examined:
Trends that compare similar data (i.e. apples to apples)
Standardized comparative data that examines Utah in relation to the United States and other states.

In addition, the State of Utah should implement substance abuse prevention programs that are targeted to the needs of each county or region, based upon the planning undertaken in the above mentioned recommendations.  |

## Conclusions and Recommendations

| Conclusions/
Key Findings | Recommendations |
| --- | --- |
| After making a series of telephone calls to directors and analysts within the State of Utah (including employees within the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, State Office of Education, and Utah Department of Corrections), it was determined that the dollar amount spent for substance abuse prevention for any given year is unknown. | During the time the Substance Abuse Authorities produce their Resource Inventory of the substance abuse prevention services in their area, they should inquire about substance abuse prevention funding amounts and funding sources from each agency. |

## Contact Information

- Craig PoVey
- State of Utah
- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Phone: (801) 538-4354
- E-mail: clpovey@utah.gov
- Susannah Burt
- State of Utah
- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Phone: (801) 538-4388
- E-mail: sburt@utah.gov