The role of professionals in primary prevention strategies : the pharmacist model

Abstract

Whilst medical primary prevention programmes involve technical interventions against certain diseases (for example, immunisation), substance abuse is more complex. Measures taken must be holistic in their approach - addressing the whole person in various environments. That professionals should be involved in the primary prevention of substance abuse is acknowledged. The question remains "what is meant by the term 'professional' and which professionals should be involved?" This paper examines these issues and also proposes that pharmacists' practice of, and research in, substance abuse prevention is a suitable model for the multidisciplinary interventions of other professionals in this field.