Silence Hurts
Alcohol Abuse and Violence Against Women

Module 6: Prevention and Early Intervention - Page 2 of 14

Introduction to Prevention

Prevention can be defined as an anticipatory process that prepares and supports individuals and systems in creating and reinforcing healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Prevention is a proactive process. This means that we anticipate a problem and address it before it becomes a reality. We don't wait for a problem to surface and then take action. Ideally, health care providers incorporate prevention into regular office visits. It could be as simple as asking patients about their alcohol consumption or to characterize their situation at home.

Prevention is part of a continuum of care that includes diagnosis and treatment (see Module 8).

View the slide show on prevention.

Prevention also involves connecting people and resources with innovative ideas, strategies, and programs. It is important to create partnerships within all sectors of society to create a holistic prevention agenda. The goal is to promote the concept of abstaining from the use of any illegal drug, high-risk use of alcohol or other legal drugs, and violence in the home.

The overall goal of preventing alcohol abuse problems and violence can be achieved by empowering individuals, families, and communities to take action. This involves helping them develop problem-solving skills and the ability to manage difficult situations. It also requires helping them develop skills to cope with a situation while working to develop long-term solutions.

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