Question

How do Substance abuse prevention programs differ from intervention programs? Explain. From a prevention perspective, why is the age of onset an important issue in the addictions field? Explain.

Answer 1

Prevention programs minimize the exposure of individuals to substance abuse. The exposure of individuals to factors that increase the risk of using substances is the primary aim of prevention. On the other hand, intervention programs are administered after an individual has been diagnosed with substance abuse. Intervention programs attempt to minimize the aggravation of the condition, or complications that may cause further harm to the individual.

The age of onset is an important factor to consider while designing prevention programs. The intended impact of the program can be maximised when it is administered at an age when an individual is most prone to abusing substances,. It is most commonly agreed that adolescence is the period when experimentation with respect to substances begin and given that adolescents are highly malleable, they are most vulnerable to substance abuse but also open to preventive measures.