Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention

What is Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention?  

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention is the application of Public Health sciences and theories which focus on the development of evidence-based strategies that reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities regarding substance use. 

ATOD prevention encompasses a range of programs, policies, and practices aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of substance misuse for individuals, families, and communities. ATOD prevention is categorized by three types of strategies: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary prevention. 

Primary Prevention attempts to reduce the likelihood of substance misuse and/or abuse from occurring. Primary prevention can target the general population (i.e., universal prevention) or targeted groups who are at increased risk of experiencing substance related problems (i.e., selective prevention). Some examples of primary prevention on Ohio State’s campus are: 

• Party Smart  
• Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Policies 
• ATOD education (i.e., presentations, social media campaigns)
• Generation Rx

Secondary Prevention attempts to halt or interrupt substance misuse behaviors through intervention in individuals already demonstrating early signs or symptoms of misuse. Some examples of secondary prevention on campus are: 

• Basis/Casics 
• ScreenU 
• The Ohio State University Diversion Program 

Tertiary Prevention focuses on effectively treating substance use disorders and preventing their reoccurrence. Some examples of tertiary prevention on campus are: 

• Collegiate Recovery Community 
• Talbot Hall 
• Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Services 

Ohio State Narcan Access and Harm Reduction Training