Substance abuse can be prevented by taking various measures such as:

Education: Educating people, especially young adults, about the dangers of substance abuse and its effects on their lives can help prevent it.

Enforcing laws and regulations: Governments can create laws and regulations to control the availability and use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Access to treatment: People who have already started using substances can benefit from access to effective treatment programs. This can include counseling, therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.

Building strong communities: Building strong communities that provide support to people, especially vulnerable groups such as youth, can help prevent substance abuse.

Developing healthy coping skills: Encouraging healthy coping skills such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies can help people deal with stress and avoid turning to substances.

Encouraging responsible use: Encouraging people to use substances responsibly and in moderation can help prevent substance abuse.

Proper disposal of medication: Proper disposal of medication can prevent substance abuse by ensuring that drugs do not fall into the wrong hands.

It is important to note that prevention efforts should be targeted at different levels such as individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.