PREVENTION IS:

• The promotion of constructive lifestyles and norms that discourage drug use.
• The development of social and physical environments that facilitate drug-free lifestyles.

Prevention is achieved through the application of multiple strategies; it is an ongoing process that must relate to each merging generation.

Source: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention 

Prevention is a proactive process which empowers individuals and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions by creating and reinforcing healthy behavior and lifestyles by reducing risks contributing to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse.

Source: IC & RC Prevention Definition

While there is no single definition of prevention the overall general agreement among prevention professionals is to prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by promoting safe, healthy, and substance free environments.