[A model of addiction prevention]

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Public Health
• Educational Psychology

Context:

• Child mental health is endangered by factors including war, increasing the risk for psychic development.
• Effective prevention, protection, and treatment of dependence require collaboration among experts working with children and adolescents.
• Understanding normal psychic development is crucial for identifying disorders and improving intervention success.

Purpose:

• To demonstrate a model for a substance dependence prevention program implemented in a primary school setting.
• To educate teachers on recognizing and addressing the early signs of substance use among pupils.
• To foster a supportive school environment and establish a network of experts for intervention.

Summary:

• The program involved two phases: "educator education" for teachers and a training program for selected teachers leading preventive activities.
• Structured activities aimed to educate on dependency-related issues, develop pupils' recognition skills for substance use, and integrate prevention into regular school activities.
• The model facilitated the development of an expert network and institutions for intervention in specific cases.

Impact:

• The applied prevention program model demonstrated effective intervention strategies within school settings.
• Continued application necessitates ongoing evaluation, adaptation, and integration of community needs and scientific knowledge.
• The program highlights the potential for schools to play a vital role in preventing substance dependence among young children.