Evidence-Based Practices to Prevent Substance Misuse Among Young Adults

CE Course Description

Young adults are at an increased risk of substance misuse as they are engaged in exploring their identities, experiencing increased independence, choices, and possibilities, and as they face changes in residence, employment, education, and relationships.  The purpose of this intermediate continuing education course, developed using information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is to provide an overview of the magnitude and risk factors of substance misuse during young adulthood and to offer current evidence of effective programs and practices to prevent substance misuse by young adults.  In addition, examples of programs that use evidence-based practices for preventing substance misuse in young adults are presented as well as practical information to consider when selecting, implementing, monitoring, and improving these programs and practices.

Author: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CE Course Objectives

1. Provide an overview of the magnitude of substance misuse during young adulthood, factors that contribute to increased risk, and considerations for specific population groups.
2. Identify youth perceptions of substance misuse and how substance use and mental health conditions in young people are connected.
3. Review current evidence of effectiveness of programs and practices to prevent substance misuse by young adults.
4. Evaluate specific programs that use evidence-based practices for preventing substance misuse by young people.
5. Summarize practical information to consider when selecting and implementing programs and practices.
6. Outline guidance and resources for implementing evidence-based programs and practices, monitoring outcomes, and improving quality.

CE Course Outline

Section 1: Preventing Substance Misuse Among Young Adults (60 mins)

1. Substance Misuse Among Young Adults (5 mins)
2. Key Definitions (5 mins)
3. Risk and Protective Factors (10 mins)
4. The Socio-Ecological Developmental Model (5 mins)
5. Substance Use and Mental Health (5 mins)
6. Vulnerable Population Groups (5 mins)
7. Negative Consequences of Substance Use (5 mins)
8. Effects of Substances on the Brain (5 mins)
9. Substance Use and Chronic Disease (5 mins)
10. Substance Use and Motor Vehicle Collisions (5 mins)
11. Conclusion (5 mins)

Section 2: Effectiveness of Substance Misuse Prevention Among Young Adults (30 mins)

1. Evidence-Based Prevention Programs and Policies (5 mins)
2. Evaluation Criteria (5 mins)
3. Populations Targeted (5 mins)
4. Prevention Practices (5 mins)
5. Prevention Settings (5 mins)
6. Focus on Substance Misuse (5 mins)

Section 3: Evidence-Based Programs for Preventing Substance Misuse Among Young Adults (30 mins)

1. Choosing Programs (2 mins)
2. Adults in the Making (5 mins)
3. Alcohol Taxes (3 mins)
4. Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students Program (5 mins)
5. Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (5 mins)
6. Family Check-Up (5 mins)
7. Safer California Universities Study (3 mins)
8. Team Awareness (2 mins)

Section 4: Guidance for Selecting and Implementing Evidence-Based Practices and Programs (37 mins)

1. Introduction (2 mins)
2. Step 1: Assessment (5 mins)
3. Step 2: Capacity (5 mins)
4. Step 3: Planning (5 mins)
5. Step 4: Implementation (5 mins)
6. Step 5: Evaluation (5 mins)
7. Guiding Principle: Cultural Competence (5 mins)
8. Guiding Principle: Sustainability (5 mins)

Section 5: Resources for Evaluation and Quality Improvement (23 mins)

1. Engaging Stakeholders (3 mins)
2. Describing the Program or Policy (3 mins)
3. Designing the Evaluation (4 mins)
4. Collecting Information (5 mins)
5. Analyzing and Interpreting Information (5 mins)
6. Reporting Results (3 mins)

Additional Resources

1. Appendices (Not timed)
2. References (Not timed)