Each Prevention Point segment will share pointed messages to help readers better understand prevention concepts and guide them to additional information and resources that are responsive and grounded in the needs of people and communities.
Welcome to Prevention Point, SAFE Project’s new series focusing on the power of prevention.
Every other week, we’ll share easy-to-understand information, education, and helpful resources that will help you support prevention efforts. We understand that prevention approaches look different for everyone and that one size does not fit all. These approaches are yours to choose. Our goal is to provide clear, practical, and helpful choices to help you understand and support the needs of you, your families, and your communities.
First up, let’s talk about the Power of Prevention!
Prevention is needed now more than ever as our world faces simultaneous epidemics around substance use, overdose, and mental health challenges. An understanding of what prevention actually is serves as a good starting point.
Prevention is taking action to stop problems before they start—or to keep them from getting worse. It focuses on building and reinforcing healthy behaviors and lifestyles, reducing risk, and putting supports in place so individuals, families, and communities can be healthy and thrive. Effective prevention can be a solution to many of the challenges that affect us all.
From a prevention lens, many of the actions we take every day are actually prevention in practice— even if we don’t think of them that way. Brushing our teeth helps prevent cavities and long-term dental problems before they require serious treatment. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury or death if a crash occurs. These simple, routine actions are proactive steps taken to protect health and safety before a problem happens.
In substance use prevention, there are three main types of prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prevention focuses on stopping problems before they start; secondary focus on early detection and reduction of use; and tertiary efforts work to reduce harm and support healing. Together, all three levels show the intensionality of targeted prevention–of the importance of meeting people and communities where they are and ensuring that everyone has the needed support and resources.
To learn more about the power of prevention, stay tuned for more our biweekly Prevention Point segments.
Resources
SAFE Presentations – Public Health Approach to Prevention & Youth Prevention Transformed by a Paradigm Shift
SAFE Prevention Perspective Webinars – From Risk to Resilience & Back to School Edition Prevention is in Session
SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
National Institute on Drug AbusePrevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC)
Learn More
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Conversations Across the Continuum: Bridging Recovery and Harm Reduction
We hosted an introspective discussion, “Conversations Across the Continuum: Bridging Recovery and Harm Reduction,” featuring experts who shared their insights on inclusive care. This conversation explored how integrating harm reduction and recovery can help build more inclusive, effective, and compassionate systems of care.
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Treatment, Recovery, and the Realities of Insurance
Discover the inaccuracies of the insurance companies during your recovery treatment. Dive into the key takeaways, and learn how to equip yourself.
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What Does Recovery Mean?
In essence, there is no right or wrong way to approach recovery. This is a very personal journey, one which isn’t defined by a particular “box” or specific “rules”. What works for some, may not work for others. One thing is for certain. Change is tough, and it’s constant.
