Prevention Policies Related to Substance Use Disorders
Most prevention policies related to substance use disorder (SUD) focus on alcohol and tobacco use. The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps and Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) databases have collected effective and promising policies related to alcohol and drug use.
Some policy interventions are determined at the state level and may be beyond the scope of local influence. Rural communities should be aware of state preemption laws (laws that prevent implementing or enforcing local laws that are more restrictive than state laws) when considering local policy. Additionally, when considering new policies, rural communities should be aware that community members may attempt to circumvent local policies by traveling to another state or locality. Rural programs may need to advocate for policy changes at the state or local level to implement program activities.