Substance Abuse Prevention Programs: SAMHSA Description

Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
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Description of the programs
According to Miller and Hendrie (2009), SAMHSA is a drug prevention program that promotes and implements prevention and timely intervention strategies thus reducing the impact of substance use and mental disorders in the American communities. The fundamental pillars of the program revolve around promoting mental health as well as preventing the occurrence of these disorders. The SAMHSA program estimates that 9.8 million Americans are affected by mental illness. Besides, SAMHSA (2010) reports that 22.5 million of the population is affected by alcohol or drug abuse hence emphasize its core. There is concern that mental and substance abuse will overtake other physical diseases as a new cause of worldwide disability. The publicly funded Department of Health and Human Services, (NIDA) also focuses on research programs meant to preventing substance abuse. Additionally, NIDA disseminates research results to improve prevention and treatment programs while informing policy makers on substance abuse prevention.
Goals of the programs
SAMHSA seeks to undertake interventions for both individuals and families to facilitate recovery, to encourage their participation in the program. The communities are also sensitized to promote behavioral health and the wellbeing of individuals after identifying health needs. The workforce is crucial to the success of the intervention, with accessible effective and relevant training and education being provided to the workforce (SAMHSA, 2010). Catalano et al (2012), highlight the significance of preventing substance and mental diseases occurring amongst children, adolescents and adults are vital to the American physical and behavioral health. The national institute on drug is a national program (NIDA) that deals with substance abuse for children in grades 5-9, with various affiliates of the group coordinating activities at the state and local level. NIDA relies on research and dissemination of information to identify the most effective strategies.
Funding
The SAMHSA program is publicly funded as an agency supported by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program receives grants, but the budget is approved following analysis of the budget request. SAMSHA is funded by the federal government and its services promoted in the communities through community and education, enforcement, partnerships, offering evidence-based practices and prevention strategies. NIDA is also public funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, and the expenditure is then distributed to the research programs. Legislators influence policies on the funding of the program by setting aside research money.
Marketing the programs
SAMHSA increasingly relies on social marketing for the mental and substance use professionals, while also highlighting the services offered in preventing substance abuse. The marketing campaig...