What Works in the Prevention of Alcohol Addiction
According to a recent publication by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) there are a number of targeted prevention approaches for alcohol addiction that work. The idea is to target specific groups with appropriate messaging regarding the dangers of heavy drinking. These include:
- Prevention programs for youth
- School-based interventions
- Community engagement
- Family-focused intervention
- College drinking and prevention
- Workplace interventions
- Military interventions
- Government laws/policies
The more information a person has about the real side effects of heavy drinking or binge drinking the more likely they can make informed decisions about if, where and when they drink. There are programs throughout the country, specifically designed for at-risk youth to help prevent or limit the use of alcohol. Even children younger than 10 years old can benefit from age-specific prevention programs designed to dispel myths about alcohol and provide resources for those with a family history of alcohol use disorder.
One group specifically at-risk are college-aged students. These young people are usually in an unsupervised environment for a prolonged period of time. They must decide whether or not to engage in drinking and may experience a significant amount of peer-pressure if they choose not to drink. The most successful prevention strategies for this group of people, according to the NIAAA, involves motivational intervention approaches and challenging student expectations about alcohol.
As a society we can help prevent alcohol dependence and addiction. By targeting specific groups that may be prone to Alcohol Use Disorder or other substance abuse issues, we can change their course and hopefully provide healthy alternatives.