Building the Foundation of Evidence-Based Practice: A Guide to Evidence-Based Substance Use Prevention Resources
Evidence-based practice (EBP) serves as the foundation for effective prevention strategies, ensuring interventions, programmes, and policies are grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.
This guide presents a curated collection of essential resources tailored for prevention professionals, policymakers, and researchers. From global standards to specialised curricula and programme registries, these tools will help you design and implement evidence-based interventions that are scientifically grounded, globally informed, and locally impactful.
Key Resources for Evidence-Based Substance Use Prevention
i. The International Standards on Drug Use Prevention
Developed by the UNODC and WHO, this resource provides a roadmap for designing and implementing evidence-based drug use prevention strategies. It outlines global standards and best practices, offering invaluable guidance for professionals aiming to achieve measurable and ethical outcomes.
Access the International Standards here.
ISSUP’s rich library of webinar recordings includes an insightful session on the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, bringing the principles and guidelines to life with expert commentary. Another highlight is the 2024 UNODC World Drug Report webinar, which summarises the latest findings and trends, offering critical context for evidence-based prevention.
Watch the webinar on International Standards
Explore the highlights from the 2024 UNODC World Drug Report
ii. The European Drug Prevention Quality Standards (EDPQS)
The EDPQS offer a comprehensive framework for ensuring prevention programmes are high-quality, effective, and ethical. Developed by the European Union Drugs Agency, these standards serve as practical tools to help professionals assess, implement, and enhance prevention initiatives based on evidence and global best practices.
iii. Evidence-Based Prevention Registries
The "Prevention Lists" Resource by ISSUP provides a curated collection of links to evidence-based prevention programme databases, offering professionals access to effective, scientifically evaluated prevention interventions. Developed by leading organisations, these registries serve as invaluable tools for identifying programmes that are proven to deliver meaningful outcomes in substance use prevention and related areas.
Key Databases:
o Xchange Prevention Registry
o Blueprints
o Green List Prevention
o Prevención basada en la evidencia
Explore the Evidence-Based Prevention Registries
iv. Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC)
The Universal Prevention Curriculum is a comprehensive training series designed to build the capacity of prevention practitioners, managers, and supervisors. It aims to address the global need for evidence-based prevention programmes that align with the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention developed by the UNODC. The main audience for the UPC is Government programme managers, community organisation leaders, and frontline prevention practitioners seeking practical, evidence-based skills.
Explore the Universal Prevention Curriculum
v. The European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC)
The EUPC is a specialised training resource designed for decision-makers, funders and policy-makers working to implement science-driven prevention initiatives. It aims to advance knowledge and skills for substance use prevention across Europe and beyond. It highlights evidence-based strategies rooted in prevention science and tailored to diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learn more about the European Prevention Curriculum
vi. Strengthening Prevention Systems: Insights, Reflections, and Strategies
The Prevention Systems Webinar provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role prevention systems play in achieving sustainable and impactful substance use prevention efforts. The webinar offers a comprehensive overview of how prevention systems are conceptualized, designed, implemented, and evaluated, ensuring their long-term effectiveness and adaptability to diverse contexts. This resource is particularly valuable for policymakers, prevention professionals, and researchers who are keen to adopt a systemic approach to prevention. The webinar not only introduces the concept of prevention systems, but also emphasizes their relevance within the broader framework of evidence-based practice. Participants gain practical insights and actionable recommendations, supported by real-world examples, to integrate systems thinking into their prevention strategies.
Watch the Prevention Systems Webinar
In addition to the webinar, the following reflective pieces written by members of ISSUP's Scientific Council provide deeper insights into the rationale, regional perspectives, and community-based approaches to prevention systems:
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A Rationale for an Orientation Towards Systems of Prevention by Dr. Wadih Maalouf: This piece discusses the foundational rationale for adopting a systems approach in prevention, emphasizing its importance in achieving scalable and sustainable outcomes.
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A Reflection on Prevention Systems: A European Perspective by Dr. Rachele Donini: Offers a detailed analysis of how prevention systems are being developed and implemented across Europe, highlighting regional challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
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Community-Based Prevention Systems by Dr. John Toumbourou: Explores the role of community-level systems in enhancing prevention efforts, focusing on grassroots implementation, local engagement, and sustainability.
