Views From the Field

Within the broad scope of the public health approach, there are many arenas in which trained peer educators can serve as allies to assist in our drug misuse prevention and intervention efforts.

Substance misuse and violence are both key concerns in campus communities. But what about the overlap of these issues?

One of the greatest challenges as a prevention professional in higher education is developing messages and education that will resonate with students. Jargon gets in the way, communication channels are a guessing game (and seem to change by the day), and what to say to a Generation Z student is always difficult. Essentially, how will our message be relevant to our students?

College and university presidents and trustees, as leaders of their institutions, have the power to send a powerful message that their schools are committed to student safety, well-being, and academic success. 

As college landscapes change, student behavior seems to remain a constant. Sure, they find new techniques and new, creative ways to commit violations, but generally speaking, it’s all the same.

College health professionals have worked hard to decrease traditional tobacco use on campuses by implementing policy and providing education and programming aimed at prevention. 

There is a high cost for not implementing best practices in drug abuse prevention for students, campuses, and the larger community.

For practitioners working on alcohol and other drug prevention in higher education, it is important for us to engage with our communities of focus to create buy-in, understand needs, and implement strategies that will have a higher likelihood of success. 

My DA’s office covers a territory in western Massachusetts that includes a large public university, four private colleges, and a well-regarded community college.

On January 1, 2014, it became legal in Colorado and Washington State for adults 21 and over to buy marijuana for non-medical use in communities that chose to implement the new law.