Three main types of prevention - Coursework Example

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” Indeed, there will always be need for treatment for substance abuse disorders but prevention can effectively help avoid this problem from recurring. According to National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA, ND), there are mainly three types of prevention of alcohol abuse known as primary, secondary and tertiary. The first type of prevention is primary prevention and it involves promotion of health and elimination of alcohol of alcohol abuse among all age groups.

The main benefit of this type of prevention is that it seeks to eliminate the problem before it exists. If carefully implemented, then there are no drawbacks whatsoever. The second one is secondary prevention which is mainly focused on a selected group that is at high risk of developing problems related to alcohol abuse. According to Sinclair & Fawcett (1991), adolescents are likely to be tempted to abuse alcohol therefore it is important provide education and information to them about the dangers of the first steps on the road to drug addiction.

The main benefit is that the targeted audiences may refrain from the practice before even engaging in it. However, the likely drawback is that the targeted people may view themselves as being labelled to be bad people which may cause them to try the bad habit. The third type of prevention is tertiary that is designed to reduce the impairments and suffering caused by alcohol abuse (NIAAA, ND). The benefit is that the lives of the affected people can be prolonged while the major drawback is that such people may be stigmatised for their condition.

Essentially, harm reduction is good since it helps to avert any impending disaster such as loss of life that can be caused by alcohol abuse. Moderation can help but it is not a long lasting solution to the problem. To a large extent, I believe that prevention is better than cure and primary prevention is the best solution that can be implemented to address the problem of alcohol abuse. References NIAAA (ND). “Preventing alcohola abuse and dependence.” Viewed from: . Sinclair & Fawcett (1991).

Altschul’s Psychology for Nurses. London: Bailliere Tindal.