Based on research, this paper defines drug prevention and delineates the concepts and strategies which are central to its successful application with young people. Research studies reporting the successes of drug prevention programmes are also presented.
Prevention is a proactive range of strategies designed to create and maintain healthy lifestyles.
The view of health is a holistic one, including physical, mental, spiritual and social health. Prevention theory and practice have developed through evaluative research and reflect what is shown to work. Together, these strategies create social norms in which individuals can develop to their full potential. Its aim is to stop the progression of initial use or more regular drug use. It is something that stunts development.