Defining "success" in drug abuse prevention

The ultimate measure of success in drug abuse prevention obviously and unequivocally must be to reduce the incidence of drug abuse among our nation's youth. However, the problem of drug abuse in our society is complex, and does not lend itself to facile solutions or "quick fixes." Because of the distance between where we are now and where we have yet to go, success should be viewed as a process involving a series of mostly minor victories. Benchmarks, such as the ones suggested in this paper, can provide a means of charting and assessing our progress. When viewed from this perspective, it becomes clear that we have made considerable progress over the past decade--progress that has been painfully slow but steady. Yet, much remains to be done. In view of the importance and magnitude of the task involved in reducing drug abuse incidence in our society and the failures of past prevention efforts, it is important that we recognize the accomplishments of the field--that we stand up and cheer in celebration of each victory, however small, as we move forward in the development of effective prevention approaches.