Because no single approach works for everyone in all communities, The Council uses multiple strategies to reach our target communities. The Council also understands that sensitivity to and inclusion of the cultural values of the target community enhances effectiveness.

The following are some of the strategies used:

1. Environmental Strategy - A strategy which focuses on changing aspects of the environment that contributes to the use of alcohol. Environmental strategies aim to decrease the social and health consequences of alcohol abuse by limiting access to substances and changing social norms that are accepting and permissive of substance abuse.  READ MORE.
    
2. Community-Based Process Strategy - This strategy aims to enhance the ability of the community to more effectively provide prevention services regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and/or abuse. Activities in this strategy include organizing, planning, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of services implementation, inter-agency collaboration, coalition building, and networking.
    
3. Information Dissemination Strategy – This strategy provides information about the nature of alcohol and other drug use, abuse, addiction and the effects on individuals, families and communities.  It also provides information of available prevention and services.  The dissemination of information is characterized by one-way communication from the source to the audience, with limited contact between the two.
   
   Examples of methods used for this strategy include the following:
   1. Information Resource Center
   2. Resource Directories
   3. Media Campaigns
   4. Brochures
   5. Radio Public Service Announcements
   6. Speaking Engagements
   7. Health Fairs
       
4. Education – This strategy involves two-way communication and is distinguished from merely disseminating information by the fact that it is based on an interaction between the educator and the participants. Activities under this strategy aim to affect critical life and social skills, including decision-making, refusal skills and critical analysis (e.g. of media messages).
   
   Examples of methods used for this strategy include the following:
   1. Classroom and Small Group Sessions
   2. Parenting and Family Management Classes
   3. Education Programs for Youth Groups
   4. Groups for Expelled or Court-Involved Youth