Addiction - Prevention

One way to prevent addictions is to eliminate the substances and activities to which one may become addicted. One major thrust of the drug prevention program in the United States is to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. People who support this method of prevention argue that if illegal drugs are not available, people cannot become addicted to them. Similarly, people who are concerned about addictions to gambling argue that legal gambling should not be permitted. They claim that if gambling casinos do not exist, people are less likely to become addicted to them.

Another approach to prevention is to deal with the kinds of problems that lead to addiction. People who grow up in warm, supportive, healthy, financially secure environments may be less likely to become dependant on certain substances and activities to achieve happiness or security. In this regard, improving family structures, home life, and social institutions is an important step in preventing addictions.