SAMHSA’s
Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)

SPF aims to build state and local capacity to decrease substance use through the use of data-driven decision making. The SPF model involves the following state- and community-level processes. The five steps are embedded in two guiding principles: prevention programs need to be sustainable such that they can adapt and achieve desired long-term outcomes; and individuals and organizations need to be culturally competent so as to interact with members of diverse population groups. As the diagram on the right suggests, SPF is not a linear process but rather a dynamic, circular one in which there is continual assessment, evaluation and adjustment.