Prevention Matters: Towards a National Model of Prevention (within the National Programme on Illicit Drugs 2023 - 2030)

In recent years prevention gained special focus of public health professionals. Particularly as an important measure of mitigating harmful and unhealthy behaviors during childhood and adolescence, including different types of addictions. At the 65th session of the CND Slovenia tabled the “Promoting Comprehensive and Scientific Evidence based Early Prevention”. The resolution encourages prevention responses at early developmental stages, through social and emotional learning programmes.
A multifaceted approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of prevention programs targeting adolescent harmful behaviors was adopted. Firstly, a literature review of existing practices was conducted, analyzing current intervention programs both within Slovenia and internationally to identify successful models and common challenges. This helped to identify the key components and strategies that contribute to the success of these programs. The analysis of national and international strategic documents highlights how different frameworks address the issue in a holistic manner, providing insights into comprehensive approaches to prevention.
During the last decades a comprehensive national system of addressing illicit drugs has been developed in Slovenia. This system includes reliable support of NGO-led projects, ongoing review of best practices and addressing program gaps through targeted interventions. By systematically implementing prevention programs across entire generations, we aim to achieve broad, long-term benefits. The paper also discusses the implementation of a comprehensive evaluation system to assess the long-term impact of these programs. Moreover, it explores the incorporation of best practices from international examples, ensuring the Slovenian model remains adaptive and effective.
However, several challenges impede the full implementation and effectiveness of these programs. Access to school curricula, funding stability, and the sustainability of prevention programs are significant obstacles. The qualification and training of program implementers, the underdeveloped systematic evaluation system, and the difficulty in obtaining precise data due to privacy concerns and tracking participants are additional hurdles. Furthermore, partial employment of professional staff leads to high turnover rates, while program fragmentation and divided funding often result in limited focus on single issues rather than a holistic approach.
This paper places a strong emphasis on the importance and effectiveness of preventive measures that complement intervention strategies such as restriction of access, harm reduction, treatment, and care. By integrating these methods, the paper aims to provide a detailed understanding of the current landscape of prevention programs, the challenges faced, and the strategies to enhance their effectiveness in mitigating harmful behaviors among adolescents.