Unlocking Your SADD - SPF Superpowers

SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and SADD Chapters What Is SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)?

Imagine having a superhero tool to help you better understand and prevent destructive decisions and promote community well-being. The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is that tool. It’s designed to help communities, schools, and organizations create a safer and healthier environment for everyone.

Be a SADD Super Hero!

Let’s break it down:

Assessment - Consider this your “detective” phase. You gather data, talk to people, and understand the specific substance-related challenges in your community. What substances are prevalent? Who’s most affected? Knowing specifics helps you plan better!

1. Gather data and understand the substance-related challenges in your community.

2. Identify your targets (mind-altering substances and risky behaviors) to plan better.

Capacity Building - Now it’s time to level up your skills. You build a team of fellow superheroes (community members, educators, and peers) who share your mission. Together, you learn about prevention strategies and strengthen your abilities.

1. Form a team (chapter) of fellow superheroes.

2. Partner with other committed students, educators, and community members.

3. Learn about evidence-based prevention strategies and strengthen your abilities.

Planning - Imagine you’re designing a battle strategy. You set clear goals, decide which prevention programs to use, and create an action plan based on your assessment. This step ensures you’re ready to face substance misuse head-on.

1. Decide which prevention programs/strategies to use.

2. Create an action plan.

Implementation - Action time! You roll out your prevention programs, workshops, and events, and be sure to keep track of what is working well and what adjustments need to be made as you go along.

1. Roll out prevention programs, workshops, and events.

2. Make a real impact—like a superhero in action.

Evaluation - After the battle, you assess your impact. Did your efforts reduce substance misuse or increase protective factors? Are peers making smarter choices? If yes, celebrate! If not, tweak your approach and try again. Remember, even superheroes learn and adapt.

1. Did your efforts reduce substance misuse?

2. Adapt and try again if needed. Even superheroes learn!

Why Should Teens Care?

Navigating a world full of choices is challenging. Some of those choices involve substances like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Every choice you make contributes to the bigger picture. By understanding and using the SPF, you become a real-life hero—one who protects not just yourself but also your peers and future generations.

1. Empowerment: The SPF empowers you to make informed prevention choices.

2. Peer Influence: Lead prevention efforts and be a positive role model.

3. Open Conversations: Discuss sensitive topics openly and break down stigma.

4. Be an Advocate: Spread awareness. Talk to friends, teachers, and family members. Let them know that prevention matters.

5. Join Forces: Collaborate with school clubs, youth organizations, or local agencies. Together, you can amplify your influence and outcomes.

6. Learn and Share: Educate yourself about substance risks and protective factors. Share this knowledge with others.

7. Support Each Other: If a friend struggles, be a supportive sidekick. Provide a listening ear and encourage seeking help.

Enter SADD Chapters: Our Hero Squads

• Students Against Destructive Decisions—that’s you!

• Advocating healthy decision-making like true heroes.

Benefits of SADD Chapters:

1. Culture of Responsibility: Create awareness and promote positive choices.

2. Leadership Skills: Level up your leadership game.

3. Safe Spaces: Discuss substance misuse taking place in your community openly.

4. Improve Policies: Influence school and community policies.

5. Community Engagement: Bridge schools and communities.

6. Long-Term Legacy: Lifelong lessons for healthier lives.

Explore Resources:

Dive into prevention strategies. SAMHSA’s SPF Guide: Dive deeper into each step.

It’s like your superhero manual.

Please contact the Indiana SADD office to learn more about the SPF and data driven, evidence-based prevention strategies.