Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
There are many meanings to the term
comprehensive
prevention. Often people use this term within the
context of programming for all students. Or perhaps they
mean that a multi-modal approach is employed. Others mean
that the targets of the interventions vary from individual
to the community levels. However, another approach is also
possible to reach a comprehensive view of prevention: a
functional approach. This approach cuts across all
divisions of targets, and is independent of implementation
modality. Instead, the focus of the categories is the
change that is sought.
This model is based on the approach being implemented at
San Diego State University. It was developed by Dr. James
Lange, SDSU's Coordinator of AOD Initiatives. The
Comprehensive Strategy has five interacting functional
domains. There are three core domains: (1) Individual
focus, (2) Behavioral alternatives, and (3) Enforcement and
limiting access efforts. Each of these three core domains
can benefit from, or are supported by, activities centered
on community action. Further, all activities should exist
within a framework of active research.
Individual Focus
Programs to change student
attitudes, knowledge and ultimately motivation to use or
abuse AODs. Examples include (a) education programming, (b)
counter advertising and norms marketing, (c) counseling
based interventions, (d) motivational enhancement
interventions, and (e) skills based programs such as
BASICS.
Behavioral Alternatives
Programs to increase
student opportunities to act responsibly while fulfilling
developmental, social and economic needs. Examples include
(a) safe-ride programs, (b) substance free parties, (C)
substance free housing, and (d) recreational facilities.
Enforcement & Access Control
Efforts to reduce
alcohol and other drug access to limit excessive
consumption and harmful behaviors. Examples include (a)
campus policy restrictions and (b) coordinated enforcement
activities.
Community Action
Community involvement may be
necessary to support all types of core program objectives.
Campus coalitions with the community may be especially
useful for developing access control measures and
alternative programming.
Research and Evaluation
Necessary to measure
improvements in individual and public health outcomes,
cost-efficiences, program sustainability and guide program
refinement.