Welcome to the “unofficial” website for the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. The Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) operates under the direction the Health Systems Bureau in the Public Health Division of the New Mexico Department of Health. Focus areas include a state-of-the-art substance abuse prevention system, and abstinence education.

This site will provide information on OSAP programs relating to the past, present and future by including past documents, posting necessary documents (including evaluation), and providing a calendar and notices for upcoming events.

The OSAP establishes an integrated and comprehensive substance abuse prevention services delivery system through the promotion of sound policy, effective practice and cooperative partnerships to ensure the availability of quality prevention. It is committed to the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs and infrastructure development activities. The OSAP provides the infrastructure and other necessary support to local stakeholders in selecting and implementing policies, programs, and practices proven to be effective in research settings and communities.

The OSAP is dedicated to improving and maximizing the impact of New Mexico's substance abuse prevention system. To this end, OSAP seeks to build the capacity of the state's local prevention providers to deliver effective prevention services aimed at reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse.

What is Substance Abuse Prevention according to OSAP?

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention is an active process that promotes the personal, physical, and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities to reinforce positive behaviors and healthy lifestyles. The term “prevention” is reserved for interventions that occur before the initial onset of a drug or alcohol related disorder.

Prevention Philosophy:

• Prevention is achieved through the application of multiple strategies; it is an ongoing process that must relate to each emerging generation.
• Among adolescents and younger children, a psychosocial approach emphasizing the development of personal skills and task oriented training often reduces alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) abuse.
• Among adults, changing the policies, regulations, and laws to alter the community environment reduces ATOD problems.
• Sensitivity to and inclusion of the cultural values of the service community enhances effectiveness.
• Evidence-based prevention programs based on peer reviewed research and evaluation produce consistent and lasting reductions in substance use.
• Evidence-based prevention programs in New Mexico are adapted to fit within specific populations while keeping true to the fidelity of implementation.
• Family, peers, school, community, and society can protect against substance abuse. For youth at risk of substance use, connectedness to positive influences clearly plays an important role in effective prevention efforts.
• Broadening the range of protective influences in external environments increases protection again substance abuse.

New Mexico’s 5-Year Prevention Plan

OSAP Personnel