Most of us understand prevention to mean keeping bad things from happening to ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, or our society as a whole. Prevention is an active process involving education and other activities which help reduce risks for becoming addicted and help promote healthy lifestyles and environments.
The use of prevention strategies is an effective way to avoid or reduce the negative effects of substance use and problem gambling that are experienced by many individuals, families and communities.
However, stigma can get in the way of taking action to prevent problems with alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling. Talking about problems associated with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use as well as gambling is powerful. Start early…start talking now!
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) offers many printed guides, web resources and programs for the general public. BSAS also offers several intervention programs to help in the beginning stages of a youth’s problem. For example in the communities of Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lynn, New Bedford, Quincy, South Boston and Winthrop the CASASTART model is used to offer intensive case management to youth’s aged 8-13, and 13-18, who are at high risk for problems associated with alcohol and drug use or juvenile delinquency.
View a list of the different types of prevention services that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Bureau of Substance Abuse Services funds.
