National Prevention Week 2014: ASAM and SAMHSA Partner to Increase Awareness that Prevention Works!

Illicit drug use in the United States continues to be a widespread problem. According to recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 23.9 million people aged 12 or older, or 9.2 percent of this age group, used illicit drugs in the past month.

SAMHSA is proud to have ASAM as a national partner in support of SAMHSA’s third annual National Prevention Week 2014. Addressing the problems of alcohol abuse and illicit drug use requires a comprehensive strategy. SAMHSA applauds ASAM’s focus both on treatment of substance use disorders and prevention policies and programs. This includes their support of professional education about the nature and effects of alcoholism and drug addiction; environmental prevention strategies such as eliminating alcohol advertising and promotion on college campuses; education of the public about the risks of substance abuse; and scientific research into the causes of addiction and ways to prevent it.

National Prevention Week is dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion. Held from May 18-24, 2014, this health observance is an opportunity to join other healthcare providers, individuals, organizations, and coalitions in communities across the country to promote prevention efforts, educate others about behavioral health issues, and create and strengthen community partnerships. Last year, communities across the United States held hundreds of prevention-themed events with thousands of participants to raise awareness of behavioral health, change lives, and improve the health of their community members.

This year, the National Prevention Week theme is Our Lives. Our Health. Our Future. Each day during the week focuses on a specific behavioral health topic to raise awareness about these issues:

• May 18: Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use
• May 19: Prevention of Underage Drinking • May 20: Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Marijuana Use • May 21: Prevention of Alcohol Abuse
• May 22: Prevention of Suicide
• May 23: Promotion of Mental Health

SAMHSA invites you to participate in National Prevention Week 2014!

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Get in the spirit: watch the National Prevention Week 2014 promotional video. Share the video link and spread the word!
• Encourage patients, family, and friends to commit to a healthy lifestyle by taking the Prevention Pledge.
• Add the power of your voice to SAMHSA’s 2014 “I Choose” photo project. Visit www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week to learn how you and others can participate.
• Find out about the National Prevention Week 2014 events taking place in your state or territory during National Prevention Week 2014 to gather ideas for holding an awareness event in your community.
• Collaborate with colleagues and others in your community to implement strategies and programs to prevent alcohol abuse and illicit drug use.
• Learn more about integrating behavioral health care services into primary care settings

Visit www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week for more information about National Prevention Week 2014. If you need assistance or have additional questions, please contact SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week Coordinator, David Wilson, at david.wilson@samhsa.hhs.gov or (240) 276-2588.