ABSTRACT
The familial basis of substance use problems highlights the importance of familybased prevention programs. In particular, Merikangas and Avenevoli (2000) noted that targeted prevention should be geared toward offspring of substance abusers, even those who have not been identified in treatment settings. Second, because only a minority of those who experiment with drugs proceed to harmful use, public health prevention efforts would be more effective if targeted at those who are most likely to continue to abuse drugs and suffer a personal and social impact. Finally, their results highlight the importance of delaying or preventing transition from use to harmful use and preventing dependence rather than experimentation.
