Prevention is the proactive process of developing personal attributes and creating environments that promote the health, safety, and well being of people.

Prevention works toward reducing and eliminating behavioral and environmental risks that negatively impact an individual's health, safety, educational success and economic survival. Risks include: tobacco, alcohol and other drug use; violence; crime; academic failure; unemployment; disease and ill health among others.

In addition, prevention works toward increasing protective factors and encouraging resiliency in individuals and systems. Protective factors include: developing healthy beliefs and clear standards; promoting bonding; providing opportunities for participation; developing skills; and recognition of successes.

Six broad based prevention strategies suggested by research were adopted in 1998 by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to assist communities, schools, and organizations in fostering and implementing effective prevention activities.

They include:
1. Information and Dissemination
2. Education and Training
3. Alternative Activities
4. Environmental Change
5. Problem Identification and Referral
6. Community-based Process

To be most effective, these strategies should be used together "Multiple strategies over multiple sectors over time" is a good motto to follow to when implementing any prevention activity or program in your school and/or community. Using only one strategy diminishes the effectiveness of any prevention effort.

These strategies are designed to be implemented simultaneously. Their effectiveness is diminished when one strategy is used in isolation from a structured, comprehensive approach. Selection of any strategy should be guided by research-based evidence showing that there is a strong likelihood that the strategy can bring about the desired change in the behavior of concern.