Prevention is an active process of creating conditions that promote overall well-being. In the context of alcohol and drug use disorders, prevention involves activities designed to encourage a lifestyle free from the use of mind-altering substances.
At Alcohol & Drug Dependency Services (ADDS), we provide and promote programs and activities that support healthier lifestyles. These initiatives range from drug-free workplace presentations and school-based education programs to community-wide events promoting drug-free living.
Our Prevention Department works collaboratively with many community partners to make these activities possible. Support from organizations such as the Iowa Department of Public Health, United Way, and other local grants allows us to continue building stronger, healthier, and drug-free communities.
Prevention Team
Prevention Supervisor
Tonya Scott, tscott@addsiowa.org, 319-753-6567
Prevention Specialists:
Des Moines County: Mary J. Reed, mreed@addsiowa.org, 319-753-6567
Lee County – Nicole Nichols, nnichols@addsiowa.org, 319-524-4397
Henry/Louisa County – Julie Zieglowsky, jzieglowsky@addsiowa.org, 319-385-2216
State OpioidResponse – Lindsay Schwartz, lschwartz@addsiowa.org, 319-768-8491
Integrated Provider Network Prevention Menu
The Curriculum‐Based Support Group (CBSG) – A unique, multi-cultural, evidence-based preventive intervention for selective and indicated populations. This program is designed for children and youth ages 4-17, whose high risk situations, attitudes and behaviors place them at elevated risk for future behavioral health problems.
Driver’s Education Presentations-ADDS prevention specialists present information on alcohol and the dangers of driving under the influence to area driver’s education classes.
Gambling in the Workplace-ADDS assists businesses with creating a safe and positive environment that encourages an informed gambling experience. Our prevention specialists can help businesses establish workplace gambling policies and identify those employees who may be impacted by problem gambling. We can then link those employees impacted to support and treatment.
Generation Rx is a research‐based program developed by the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and Cardinal Health Foundation. This program teaches safe medication practices for life. There is an elementary program for K‐5 consisting of several sessions and a teen program for grades 6‐12 also consisting of several sessions. There are also university, adult, and older adult components. The core messages are: Only use prescription medication as directed by a health professional. Never share your prescription medications with others or use someone else’s medications. Always store your medications securely to prevent others from taking them, and properly dispose of medications that you no longer need. Be a good example to those around you by modeling these safe medications‐taking practices and discussing the dangers of misusing prescription drugs with your family, friends, colleagues, students, or patients.
Information Distribution-ADDS has a wealth of brochures and posters on various topics available on request.
Health Fairs and Community Events-ADDS prevention staff set up tables, distribute information, and provide education at health fairs and community events.
Presentations for Groups-ADDS prevention staff can provide single or multi session presentations on various topics, depending on the topic and your group’s needs.
OWI Class Instruction-All our prevention specialists are trained instructors in the Prime for Life curriculum. We provide instruction in this DOT required class for those who have received an OWI and are seeking to have their license reinstated.
Hidden in Plain Sight – Our Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Backpacks are a tool used to train staff and parents on youth substance use trends in Iowa; in the backpack are examples of products that can easily be missed by an untrained eye. Through this training, you will learn what products look like, signs of substance use and how to start a conversation with your youth.
Minor in Possession‐Prime for Life is an evidence‐based program to motivate alcohol and drug behavior change. The 12 hour syllabus includes a participant self‐assessment, a look at risk factors, health and life consequences of high risk choices, and a way to build low risk guidelines. The program can be used for minors in a school setting or juvenile diversion through the court system.
State Opioid Response (SOR) Prevention Menu
Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Training: In this training, participants will learn how opioids affect the brain and lead to disorder and about overdose risk factors. They will learn how to respond to a potential overdose and strategies to reduce opioid overdose.
Stigma Associated with Substance Use Disorder: This training explores the types of stigmas experienced by individuals with substance use disorders and examines how perceptions and behaviors may contribute to or reinforce it. Participants will learn about the consequences of stigma and strategies to reduce its impact while promoting recovery.
Substance Use 101: This training is an overview of substance misuse. Participants will recognize common misused drugs, recognize how drugs impact the body and brain, and understand the risk factors of a substance use disorder.
Kratom: Kratom is a trending substance in the US and is readily available in gas stations and convenience stores, even in our area. This presentation looks at what it is, what the potential health impacts are, and what prevention actions can be taken in our community.
Harm Reduction: This training defines harm reduction as a community driven public health strategy, identifies the unique roles of prevention and harm reduction, appreciates the benefits of collaboration to prevent opioid-related overdoses, and identifies opportunities for partnership.
Understanding Addiction & Recovery – Information for Family, Friends, and Caregivers: This training identifies the role that families/caregivers can play in the entire treatment process through recovery. It also discusses how addiction and our thinking has evolved based on scientific evidence.
Drug Trends: This training explores the latest drug trends in Iowa, identifies the root causes driving these trends, and looks at ways that community members can respond to current drug use trends.
Trauma-Informed Care (General Public): This training defines trauma, ACES, and trauma-informed care, shows the connection between trauma and substance use/disorder, identifies effective ways to engage with individuals who haveexperienced trauma, and provides trauma informed care resources and strategies for self and others.
Trauma-Informed Care (Law Enforcement): This training defines trauma, ACES, and trauma informed care, connects trauma and substance use, identifies effective ways to engage with individuals who have experienced trauma, and identifies trauma-informed care resources and strategies for self and others.
Promoting Recovery & Improving SUD Outcomes in the Healthcare Community: This training is geared towards those in healthcare and reviews what recovery is, what it looks like, and will help to identify healthcare professionals and support their patients in recovery.