ABSTRACT
This chapter has two aims: first, to review the major socio-cultural trends that constitute the ecological environment that affects community based substance abuse prevention interventions, and second, to review the contemporary public health paradigm which provides a framework for effective community based substance abuse prevention policy and interventions. Specifically, the chapter reviews the following trends as they relate to substance abuse prevention: (1) substance abuse as a public health threat, (2) changing health needs and the health care system, (3) demographic imperatives and multiculturalism, (4) communication revolution and risks, and (5) the new public health paradigm: risk-reduction from a multicultural perspective. Implications of these trends for substance abuse prevention are discussed. 1 The subsequent chapters in this volume address specific research and intervention issues as they related to various domains of substance abuse prevention.
