Position of the European Society for Prevention Research on ineffective and potentially harmful approaches in substance use prevention
Position of the European Society for Prevention Research on ineffective and potentially harmful approaches in substance use prevention
Prevention methods using shock tactics are proven to be ineffective. Nevertheless, strategies based on predominantly providing information about the dangers of substance use are widespread in Europe. The European Society for Prevention Research (EUSPR) is concerned about those so-called prevention strategies. It calls on decisionmakers, influencers and policymakers to use scientific proof of effectiveness as a criterion for exposing our youth to prevention methods and not to spend public money on rather commercial offers, since there are better and less expensive alternatives. (European science for prevention and research, 22.10.2019)