Prevention and Intervention: What Are the Components of Successful Interventions?

The prolific writer and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus or more simply Erasmus from Rotterdam (1466–1536) developed a book of Latin proverbs and adages. One of the most renowned being, the more haste the less speed. He is also attributed to the adage that is relevant to this chapter; prevention is better than cure. Annually the World Drug Report highlights that the need for prevention and access to evidence-informed treatment must be increased. Given the current global inequitable access to treatment the need for prevention is of the utmost importance as the cure is often not available, not affordable, and not accessible. Within this chapter we define the varying types of prevention. We present the age-appropriate developmental approach and the known risk and protective factors for substance use. The importance of underlying theory and how to develop a logic model are explained. The need for fidelity to a program and the possible need for a cultural adaptation are also discussed. Finally, the chapter concludes with two practical case studies, one for parents of children with behavioral problems and one within a school setting.