An Ounce of Prevention: Strategies for Solving Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Problems (Jossey Bass/Aha Press Series)

The U.S government spends billions of dollars to cure the ills caused by addictive substances, but much more can be done to prevent addiction from beginning in the first place. In this book, Don Cahalan advocates a practical public health approach to preventing the problems of substance abuse before they become chronic. The author examines the strategies and programmes that have been successful in preventing addiction, and outlines the steps necessary to undertake an effective nationwide approach to contending with such problems as tobacco-related illness, repeated jailing of drug addicts, and drunk driving. Looking at the common factors in preventing the abuse of alcohol drugs and tobacco, Cahalan offers guidance to professionals in public health, behavioural sciences, social welfare, public policy, and health care administration on the roles they can play in effective prevention programmmes.