Preventing Substance Misuse: Dr. Joy Sweeney's Essential Rules
Prevention of substance use and misuse before it starts is the most effective and cost-efficient way to reduce substance misuse and its associated costs.
Ever wondered how we can effectively prevent substance misuse before it even starts? Dr. Joy Sweeney, the Deputy Director at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), has some answers. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev, Dr. Sweeney dives into the importance of primary prevention. She passionately explains why focusing on prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient strategy to combat substance misuse and its associated costs. Dr.
Sweeney's role at CADCA involves overseeing the training programs that develop community coalitions across the United States. With a network supporting over 5000 coalitions and more than 15,000 trained volunteers, her work is nothing short of impactful. In this episode, she shares her three golden rules of addiction prevention and discusses how CADCA empowers professionals to tackle substance misuse among young people. From modifying policies to enhancing protective factors, Dr.
Sweeney outlines practical strategies that have proven successful in reducing substance use. She also highlights how raising the legal age for tobacco sales has decreased access and, consequently, usage among young people. Listeners will find Dr. Sweeney's insights not just informative but also hopeful and supportive. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing substance misuse.