Substance abuse prevention principles are basic truths, standards and elements that effective interventions have in common and that have been identified through the careful evaluation of substance abuse prevention programs.
Effective interventions share certain principles that guide providers in structuring services. The principles listed here have been identified through expert or peer consensus efforts such as consensus panels and meta-analysis. Appropriate use of these principles can assist prevention providers begin services that are both innovative and effective, and in modifying proven models to respond to the specialized needs of individual programs.
