Ineffective appeals for prevention

Now that we have spent some time exploring prevention as a conceptual framework, and have looked at some best practices for prevention, let's briefly explore prevention strategies that are not effective. In the sections ahead, we will look at them in more detail about why the following approaches do not work:

Zero tolerance approaches
Single session interventions
Fear based campaigns
Focus on long term consequences
Exaggerated dangers and use of extreme images
Myth busting approaches

In the sections ahead we will explore in more depth why these approaches are not effective.

NH schools and districts can learn more about ineffective appeals for prevention through a variety of resources. Here are a few examples:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Links to an external site. SAMHSA is a U.S. government agency that provides resources and support for mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Their website includes resources on effective prevention strategies and evidence-based approaches.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Links to an external site. NIDA is a U.S. government agency that supports research on drug use and addiction. Their website includes resources on drug use prevention, including information on ineffective prevention strategies.
Partnership to End Addiction Links to an external site.The Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for families affected by addiction. Their website includes information on prevention strategies, including resources on ineffective approaches.
Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Links to an external site. The ONDCP is a U.S. government agency that coordinates national drug control policy. Their website includes resources on effective prevention strategies and evidence-based approaches.
American Psychological Association (APA) Links to an external site. The APA is a professional organization for psychologists in the United States. Their website includes resources on substance use prevention and mental health, including information on ineffective prevention strategies.

It is our hope that these resources can provide your school and district with more information about ineffective appeals for prevention and the importance of adopting evidence-based prevention strategies. By focusing on evidence-based approaches and avoiding ineffective strategies, NH schools and districts can better support the health and well-being of their students.

Briefly though, the question often comes our way of the effectiveness of posters and one-page flyers.

Do posters and one-page flyers work for prevention? Posters can be a useful tool in schools for prevention, but they should not be relied upon as the sole method of prevention. Posters can help to raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use and promote positive behaviors, but they are unlikely to be effective on their own.

To be effective, posters should be part of a larger comprehensive prevention program that includes education, skill-building, and support for students, parents, and educators. Posters should also be age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and visually appealing. They should use clear language and simple, easy-to-understand messages that are relevant to the target audience.

It's also important to consider the placement and visibility of posters in the school environment. Posters should be strategically placed in high-traffic areas where they are likely to be seen by students, such as hallways, classrooms, and common areas.

Posters can be a useful supplement to a comprehensive prevention program, but they should not be relied upon as the sole method of prevention.