Addiction prevention in children and adolescents: A review of literature on individual, family and community risk factors

Biological, psychological and social phenomenon of substance abuse in adolescents is one of the most critical issues facing modern societies. One of the major concerns of the health and social policy makers is the increasing prevalence of addictive behaviors, particularly tobacco smoking in this age group. Prevalence and trends toward high-risk behaviors among adolescents in Iran is rising. Addiction treatment is expensive and difficult which requires comprehensive medical systems with different approaches toward drug treatments, therapies, and rehabilitation. However, over the years, it has been proven that even the most effective therapeutic procedures are associated with high rates of recurrence. Any progress in this treatment may fail due to environmental risk factors in which the substances are readily accessible as well as the social network of friends who supporte and maintain drugs abuse. Therefore, substance abuse prevention is easier than the treatment. Meanwhile, the best and the most logical solution is prevention. Addiction prevention is an important and complex issue that cannot be accomplished without strategic planning. Understanding the latest scientific achievements and execution of logical programs can be beneficial in this regard. One of the defects in the field of substance abuse prevention is lack of comparative studies, and accordingly shortage of Persian resources of modern scientific progression in the field of addiction prevention. This situation has led some investigators toward specific approaches or programs, while lacking comprehensive knowledge about all the available programs. In order to eliminate or reduce these shortcomings, previous research literature on three levels i.e. individual, family and social factors (school and friends) were discussed in this article.