Primary and secondary prevention strategies against illicit drug use among adults aged 18–25: a narrative review. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Shalini; Balhara, Yatan Pal Singh; Gupta, Prashant; Christodoulou, Nikos G
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 1(2020:Feb.)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: prevention -- young adults -- emerging adults -- opioid use -- cannabis use; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856219875048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: We reviewed the literature for preventive programs against illicit drug use that specifically target adults aged 18–25 (i.e. emerging adults). Methods: Narrative review of preventive programs that have a high strength of recommendation according to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grading system. Results: Prevention programs that met the criteria are school and college based, family-based, community based, peer-led, workplace-based, and technology-based interventions. They target the known modifiable risk factors associated with illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults. Conclusion: The preventive programs we reviewed are utilizing evidence-based strategies for the prevention of illicit drug use. Further research is needed to formulate new and effective preventive strategies for the reduction of illicit drug use by emerging adults.