Implementation polices are those aimed at institutionalizing prevention programs, usually through raising funds, requiring standard implementation, and creating a formal non-profit organization to implement programs. Regulatory policies include all formal laws, regulations, and ordinances aimed directly at decreasing drug use, for example, regulations which enforce the monitoring of drug-free zones. Results of studies suggest that regulatory policies may show the most immediate effect on youth tobacco and alcohol use. Programmatic policies have the most potential for long-term effects on use.
Community organization appears to stimulate change in both types of policy.
As yet unresolved in whether policy change can subsequently contribute to long-term community prevention efforts. Despite these barriers, several factors have emerged from case studies of community prevention which may expedite the movement of evidence-based prevention from science into practice.