PPN Home > Resources and Tools > Substance Abuse

Sign up for PPN updates by email

Resources and Tools

Substance Abuse Resources and Tools


This page provides access to resources and tools on topics related to child and adolescent substance abuse. The materials meet PPN standards of scientific rigor, objectivity, and user friendliness and include links to databases, fact sheets, screening tools, seminal reports, and a variety of other resources that are among the best research-based materials available on this topic.


Reports, Briefs and Other Publications
Websites
Databases and Tools

Reports, Briefs and Other Publications

Guide to Community Preventive Services

The Guide to Community Preventive Services ("Community Guide") is produced by an independent Task Force convened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Task Force has conducted systematic reviews of a range of community health topics and diseases and filtered all of the information in order to present an informative and easy to understand summary of information on the effectiveness, economic efficiency, and feasibility of interventions targeting these topics and diseases. The Community Guide contains the systematic reviews organized by topic or disease.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research Reports

The NIDA Research Reports Index offers links to summaries of research findings on substance abuse organized by substance type. The reports seek to simplify the science of research for the public, policymakers, educational groups, and practitioners. Each report covers a range of topics, including a description of the substance, how it produces effects on the body, short- and long-term effects of the substance, and treatment information.

Research Guide on Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents

Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents, A Research-based Guide for Parents, Educators and Community Leaders, 2nd ed. NIH, NIDA, 2003.
This comprehensive guide produced by the National Institute of Drug Abuse offers information on prevention and treatment of drug abuse, including risk factors, protective factors, prevention principles, and examples of prevention programs. It attempts to help parents, educators, and community leaders to better understand the consequences, prevention, and treatment of drug abuse.

Websites

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)

This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center is wholly focused on the prevention of substance abuse and works with States and communities to develop and support drug- and crime-free environments in the workplace, school and neighborhood. CSAP initiatives also work to build connections with families and friends as a way to prevent crime and substance abuse. CSAP presents a Strategic Prevention Framework for communities and organizations that includes five components: Assessment, Capacity Building, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Resources and tools are available to assist with each component. CSAP also provides grant opportunities to organizations and communities.

Monitoring the Future Study

Monitoring the Future is a long-term study of substance use among American adolescents and young adults. The study surveys approximately 50,000 youth each year in grades 8, 10, and 12. A smaller sample of students are followed for a number of years after graduation. Results of the study are released each year. Information about the study and a link to all of the related publications are available on the Monitoring the Future website.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drugs Information (NCADI)

NCADI provides detailed information on a wide range of specific drugs (cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, etc.) as well as types of drugs (depressants, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Visitors can view information by audience, such as children of substance abusers, teens, and researchers. Information on the site is also organized by alcohol and drug-related issues, such as binge drinking, drug testing, and high-risk youth. Many publications are also available in Spanish. In the Resources section of the site, visitors can access a list of referral organizations, a treatment facility locator, and self-help resources.

NIDA for Teens Website

NIDA for Teens website offers educational information on the science behind drug abuse. It targets adolescents aged 11 through 15, as well as their parents and teachers. The website uses animated illustrations, quizzes and games to make learning more interesting and fun through interaction.

Databases and Tools

SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices

NREPP is a searchable online database of mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs that have been reviewed and rated by independent reviewers. It offers descriptive information about the intervention, its targeted outcomes, quality of research, and contact information for the program developer. NREPP, which is produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), seeks to assist the public in identifying interventions that have been scientifically tested and to help individuals and organizations implement programs and practices in their communities. Programs for this site that meet PPN criteria for a Promising rating area also linked to from the PPN Programs that Work section.

U.S. Department of Education Safe and Drug-Free Schools Programs

This program, in cooperation with the Office of Educational Research and Improvement formed the Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools Expert Panel. The Expert Panel identified and designated nine exemplary and 33 promising programs that promote safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools. This initiative intends to enhance drug prevention programs by making schools aware of alternative interventions that have proven their effectiveness based on scientific evidence. Programs from the initiative that meet PPN criteria for a Promising rating are also linked to from the PPN Programs that Work section.