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Prevention of Problem Gambling
September 1999, Vol II, Issue 9

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

SUCCESSFULLY USING MULTIPLE STRATEGIES ON MULTIPLE TARGETS

September 1, 1999

A comprehensive prevention program uses multiple strategies over multiple targets in a community. The six prevention strategies have been discussed in previous Newsletters over the past year.

A comprehensive prevention program is a safety net. The horizontal threads represent the six prevention strategies. The vertical threads represent the many targets within a community. For example, in a high school, these might be students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, community members, athletes, boosters, aides, etc.

The Six Prevention Strategies:
Information and Community Awareness
Teachers
Education and Skill Building
Coaches
Alternative Activities
Capacity Building
Community Development and Institutional Change
Social and Public Policy and Early Intervention

Multiple Targets:
Administrators
Parents
Community Members

Relying too heavily on only a few strategies and targets rarely produces lasting behavioral change. Increasing the number of targets and strategies produces a tighter weave. Using all six strategies woven together over many targets becomes a more effective safety net.

Local Problem Gambling Helplines

CT 800-346-6238
MA 800-426-1234
RI 877-9-GAMBLE
VT 888-822-8274