Vulnerable Populations and Substance Use Prevention Service Delivery for the Mental Health Professional

The authors discuss the multidimensionality of risk factors for substance use and substance use disorder across the lifespan and the interplay between biological and environmental factors that may lead to substance use. When these underlying factors are not addressed, and usage continues, altered networks in the brain may lead to substance use disorders. Progress in prevention science, and in approaches to delay or prevent substance use initiation and progression to substance use disorder, is reviewed. Four barriers to delivering prevention approaches—unstable funding with a lack of coordination across systems, insufficient workforce capacity, states not knowing where to find evidence-based programs, and a lack of knowledge in how to adapt programs for specific settings—are identified, highlighting the need for a national prevention infrastructure. The authors conclude by providing examples and resources for mental health professionals in promoting prevention of substance use initiation and disorders.