Here are some suggestions for community interventions to address substance abuse:
- Partner with local treatment centers to establish support groups. Support groups help people in recovery build a sober social network and gain insight from others experiencing similar challenges.
- Work with schools to strengthen drug prevention education. Educating youth about the health and legal risks of substance abuse can discourage early experimentation and promote healthy decision making.
- Organize community clean-up projects. Bringing the community together for a positive cause like cleaning parks and neighborhoods can foster pride in the community and provide alternatives to substance use.
- Start a peer mentoring program. Pairing those in long-term recovery with those newly in recovery provides encouragement from role models and accountability.