From the 2024 Global Conference, held in Thessaloniki, Greece
Author: Dr. Zili Sloboda
Over the past four decades progress has been made in improving our understanding of the determinants and processes associated with the onset and progression of substance use. This understanding has informed the design of prevention strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness through rigorous research trials. The challenge that now faces the field is in bringing these interventions to communities across the globe. The development of trainings in prevention science and practice have been a vital component of bringing this knowledge to our communities, however, there remains the need for an infrastructure to support not only trained prevention professionals but also to institutionalize evidence-based prevention through existing structures. This presentation addresses this progress and outlines next steps.