Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT)

ADEPT What Shapes AOD Problems in Orange County

From the toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities, to the staggering economic costs of dealing with its effects, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) impacts our communities in a variety of complex and wide-ranging ways. Community norms, media messages, access and availability as well as policy and enforcement play an instrumental role in how people gain access to and perceive the usage alcohol and other drugs. Social expectations and acceptance of heavy consumption of AOD further encourage binge drinking and other alcohol and drug-related problems. Advertising and other media messages often glamorize excessive drinking and drug use, especially among young people, and ignore the consequences. Additionally, when alcohol and drugs are readily available and cheap, many problems tend to occur, such as underage drinking and driving under the influence. Moreover, when there is a lack of public and private policies around AOD issues (combined with lax enforcement) our communities suffer tremendously, placing an enormous burden on society, harming health, family life, the economy and public safety.

ADEPT What Shapes AOD Solutions in Orange County

Yet, despite these complex mechanisms, defeating and preventing AOD problems in our communities is possible. By involving every individual and organizations across various sectors, we can successfully develop comprehensive strategies and action plans to turn our communities around. Communities nationwide have successfully reduced drunk driving, enforced responsible beverage service, limited alcohol advertising and sales, and have held adults accountable for providing alcohol to underage youth.

ADEPT works at the community-level with a strong emphasis on bringing together all sectors of the community, including youth. Since 1988 ADEPT has addressed risk factors and protective factors through regional projects, community coalitions, and school-based groups (Friday Night Live and PAL®) by providing education, technical assistance and information to the community, and by supporting programs that provide alternatives to alcohol and other drug use.