Pubdate: Fri, 04 Mar 2016
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n103/a05.html
Author: Gilbert J. Botvin

STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO PREVENT OPIOID ABUSE

To the Editor:

Re "Governors Will Create Plan to Curb Opioid Use" (news article, Feb. 22):

The alarming rise in prescription drug abuse, particularly opioid 
abuse, is attracting increased attention from public officials and 
dominated discussions at the recent National Governors Association 
meeting. The epidemic in drug overdose deaths has led to calls for 
new treatment protocols, limits on prescriptions and expansion of 
treatment services.

Also needed is a significant expansion of prevention efforts. Over 30 
years of rigorous scientific research has identified a growing number 
of prevention approaches that are effective, produce lasting results 
and can save taxpayers a good deal of money.

These include school programs, such as Life Skills Training, that 
teach students personal coping skills, social skills and 
drug-resistance skills; family programs, such as Strengthening 
Families, that improve family communications, problem-solving and 
perspective-taking skills; and community programs, such as 
Communities That Care, that mobilize communities to use proven 
prevention programs matched to community needs.

These and other effective prevention programs can dramatically cut 
drug abuse, delinquency, aggression and violence. Let's stop 
prescription opioid abuse before it begins. Now is the time to 
unleash the power of prevention.

GILBERT J. BOTVIN

New York

The writer is professor emeritus in the department of health care 
policy and research at Weill Cornell Medical College and president of 
National Health Promotion Associates, which markets the Life Skills 
Training program.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom