The National Drug Control Strategy, which establishes the President’s priorities for addressing the challenge of drug trafficking and use, was released on January 31st. This Strategy provides the strategic direction necessary for the Federal government to build a stronger, healthier, drug-free society today and in the years to come by drastically reducing the number of Americans losing their lives to drug addiction.
The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioids Crisis stated that
“substance abuse prevention is a process which requires a shift in behavior, culture, and
community norms.” This will require ongoing efforts with a holistic approach. Families,
communities, faith organizations, education, and mass media all play a role in supporting
this process. The Strategy emphasizes the importance of preventing drug use before it begins with early intervention and evidence-based programming with a focus on at-risk youth populations.
The Commission emphasized the three categories of prevention intervention that target risk factors and increase protective measures: universal interventions that attempt to reduce specific health problems across all people in a particular population by reducing a variety of risk factors and promoting a broad range of protective measures; selective interventions
delivered to particular communities, families, and children who, due to their exposure to certain environmental considerations, are at increased risk of substance misuse; and appropriate interventions directed to those already involved in a risky behavior such as substance misuse, or are beginning to demonstrate problems but have not yet developed a substance use disorder.
We are pleased to see how well the national strategy aligns with the strategies La Center United is already using and we look forward to seeing this plan be executed.
Click here to read the entire National Drug Control Strategy.
Click here to read La Center United's Action Plan.
