PREVENTION OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE

Abstract

Substance use disorder in a severe mode is called addiction, it is a chronic disorder of the brain determined by biological and social factors that have unhealthy consequences to individuals and to community. Understanding substance use disorder has improved our perspectives in the last thirty years due to major advancement in researches related to genetics and neuroscience. In addition to the evolution of new technologies and methods that helped us create advanced prevention techniques and interventions. Methods: PubMed was used to conduct the literature searches, observational and interventional studies focused on adult substance use were obtained. Findings were collected and arranged to cover the main points of epidemiology, neurobiology and prevention. Results: substance-related use patterns have evolved over time, which are informed via peer behaviors, environmental factors, messaging platforms, availability of various substances, and other different variables. Many risk factors in addition to resiliency factors contributed to individual differences in substance use and related results. Prevention methods have achieved mixed results, although many evidence-based treatments were developed for substance use disorder, the results are limited to a moderate level, suggesting the need for additional research to evolve prevention methods and treatment. Conclusion: It is necessary to mention that there is a high demand to identify cost effective prevention methods. The integration of prevention methods and techniques, including interventions at the school, family and society levels, is more likely to achieve the results needed.