The Power of Good Ideas to Reduce Substance Abuse

IBH has identified four approaches to reduce the demand for illegal drugs. While these ideas work well alone, they are even more effective as part of a combined approach.

	Encourage student drug testing programs. If a young person gets to be 21 without using an illegal drug, the likelihood of that person ever having to struggle with drug abuse is extremely low. Drug testing programs give kids convincing reasons to avoid using illegal drugs.
	Reduce prescription drug abuse. Non-medical use of prescription medicines is an increasingly serious problem. Responding effectively will require expanded outreach to educate patients and their families about the dangers of medication misuse, as well as increased involvement from pharmacists, physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the government.
	Reduce drugged driving. New developments in biotechnology have made it possible to test for illegal drugs in the way that alcohol is tested. Drugged driving programs will save lives and curb illegal drug use.
	Improve and expand drug abuse treatment programs. Although 3.3 million Americans enter drug treatment each year, the demand for treatment far exceeds availability. In 2000, only 1 person in 14 received the drug treatment they needed. Improving drug treatment must include the development of more cost-effective treatment, rather than simply expanding existing models.
	Additional Ideas: Reduce drug abuse in the criminal justice system through mandated treatment and progressive sanctions. Promote wider public understanding and use of the 12-step programs for long-term recovery. Revitalize the Parents Movement.