Andria Blackwood, PhD; Rodney Wambeam, PhD; and Emily Grant PhD
Region 8 Mountain Plains PTTC
Substance misuse remains a pressing public health concern globally, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities.1 It contributes significantly to the burden of disease, disability, and premature death, and is often associated with a range of social and economic problems, including increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice involvement. The misuse of substances such as opioids, alcohol, and other drugs continues to strain public health systems, particularly in at-risk populations which may already face barriers to accessing care and support. Addressing substance misuse requires a comprehensive understanding of its complex causes, which include biological, psychological, and non-medical drivers of health.2
There has been a growing recognition of the importance of prevention in mitigating the harmful effects of substance misuse. While treatment, recovery, and harm reduction remain essential components of public health responses, prevention strategies—particularly those grounded in evidence—offer the potential for long-term impact by reducing the incidence of substance misuse before it begins.3 These strategies include school-and community-based interventions, public policy initiatives, and efforts to build resilience among at-risk populations.4 To be effective, such interventions must be tailored to the specific needs of populations and informed by a robust understanding of local trends and risk and protective factors.5
The foundation of any successful prevention strategy lies in the use of high-quality data to inform program development, implementation, and evaluation. Data-driven approaches enable public health professionals to identify emerging patterns of substance misuse, allocate resources efficiently, and assess the impact of interventions over time. Moreover, integrating evidence-based practices with ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensures that prevention efforts remain responsive to evolving community needs.6
As the public health field continues to evolve, there is a critical need for research that supports the development and scaling of effective, data-informed prevention strategies to address the continual challenges of substance misuse. This article highlights two key ways data are used to support substance misuse prevention strategies: