Oral

In seeking a balanced, more effective strategy for reducing the consequences of drug use, abuse, and dependence, the Obama Administration has ended the “war on drugs” approach. The National Drug Control Strategy, prepared by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is a departure from past Administration’s high priority on supply reduction to a more balanced approach that attends to demand reduction as well. Demand reduction, involving a continuum of prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, is essential to a comprehensive strategy to reduce drug use and its health, social, educational, economic, public safety and legal consequences. This emphasis on an evidence-based public health approach requires increasing attention to research, translation of research findings for application at the state and community level, improved access to prevention and treatment services, and engagement with broader constituencies. While overall drug use has declined substantially from the highest levels in the late 1970’s, recent years have seen a slight uptick in drug use among youth, along with a substantial increase in prescription drug misuse, especially among young adults. A balanced approach featuring increased emphasis on reducing demand through evidence-based public health policies and practices is essential. This session features an overview of the National Drug Control Strategy, its relationship to the Affordable Care Act and the National Prevention Strategy, a perspective on evidence-based strategies for drug prevention and barriers to their adoption, how a balanced approach is implemented at the community level, and the benefits of screening and brief intervention.

Session Objectives: Describe the consequences of drug abuse and dependence in America Explain the key principles of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy and its increased emphasis on a public health approach Discuss how evidence-based approaches are developed and implemented through research, community action, and clinical preventive services Assess the challenges of moving to a public health approach to reducing the consequences of drug use

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)