DBHR uses a research-based "risk and protective factor" approach to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. Risk factors are personal, family or community characteristics that increase the likelihood a child or teen will use alcohol or other drugs. Protective factors are similar characteristics that help insulate a child or teen  from using drugs. These include individual protective characteristics, bonding to family, school, community and/or peers, and healthy beliefs and clear standards for behavior.

Limiting risk factors while strengthening and increasing the protective resources will help to reduce substance abuse and create healthier individuals and communities. See Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Abuse.

The Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is administered in schools statewide every two years to collect data from students about their alcohol and other drug use, and other behaviors that impact their health, safety and success.  This data is analyzed and used to track trends and prioritize prevention resources.   

HYS data shows that underage drinking is our biggest drug problem, and that prevention programs are working to reduce this problem, and the harmful consequences.  From 2008 to 2010 there were 11,000 fewer youth in Washington who drank alcohol. Since 1990, the number of 8th graders who drink has been reduced by half.  While these results are very promising, there is much more work to be done.  The 2010 survey found that among 10th graders:
 28% had a drink in the past 30 days
 16 % had 5 or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks
 20% had used marijuana
 13% had used cigarettes

The need for prevention programs is also identified through  Risk and Protection Profiles for Washington communities, developed by the DSHS Division of Research and Data Analysis.

Because underage drinking is a leading cause of injury and death among teens, and the primary drug of choice among teens, it is our highest prevention priority.  More youth under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related injuries in the U.S. than from the use of tobacco and illicit drugs combined.  An average of 1,400 college students die each year due to alcohol abuse.  Working with our prevention partners to promote healthy attitudes and behaviors is making a difference in reducing these tragedies. Since 2008, about 11,000 fewer youth are drinking alcohol, and 20,000 more 8th, 10th and 12th graders reported that their parents talk with them about not drinking.  

While these are very positive outcomes, there is much more prevention work to be done.  One in four (28%) 10th graders reported drinking in the past month on the 2010 Healthy Youth Survey.  That's more than double the percentage of 10th graders who smoke cigarettes.

Research shows that kids who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21.  Each additional year of delaying alcohol use reduces the risk of alcohol dependence by 14 percent.  More information about underage drinking in Washington, and how to prevent it, is available at  www.StartTalkingNow.org.

DBHR began implementing PRI in 2011 by redirecting funding to better target and leverage limited prevention resources to higher-need communities. Our goal is to support proven strategies that will have a long-term, positive impact on families and others in their communities. PRI is being implemented through active partnerships with counties, Educational Service Districts (ESDs), local school districts, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Get more information in the PRI brochure.  

See where PRI Cohort 1 communities are located: Map and list of community contacts

View PRI community profiles (click on community name) and news:

DBHR has invested SAMHSA block grant resources with Washington counties and tribes for over 20 years. We require that a minimum of 60% of  funded programs be evidence-based.  Innovative programs must follow principles of effectiveness in their design. Evidence-based practices and programs are listed on SAMHSA's national registry.  All DBHR-funded prevention providers are required to report their services and outcomes into our Performance-Based Prevention System, which generates data analysis reports for specific programs.

For evidence-based prevention programs, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy Report - Benefits and costs of prevention and early intervention programs for youth  (2011) - shows that prevention programs will save Washington State tax payers over $40 million from reductions in juvenile crime, substance abuse, mental health disorders, teen pregnancies, school failure, violence and injuries.

Statewide Prevention Programs: Get details about our state's underage drinking prevention initiatives and other prevention services.

Click here for contacts for prevention programs in your community.

The Athena Forum 

Becoming a Certified Washington State Prevention Professional