Institute for Prevention of
Addictions

Institute For Prevention of Addictions (IPA)

The Institute for Prevention of Addictions conducts research focused on the extent and causes of the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs as well as other addictions and health risk behaviors. Based on this research it fosters prevention education programs and policies designed to reduce youth risk behaviors.

The IPA provides specialized resources services and consultation to Church, government and private agencies on policy and program initiatives designed to prevent youth risk behavior.

The IPA is supported by Andrews University and General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, as well as, projects sponsored by assorted Foundations, Governmental and Private agencies.

The IPA is affiliated With the Department of Health Ministries of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Drug Dependency (ICPA).

It works through program centers for prevention, policy, education, and research and evaluation. The Institute associates with organizations whose goals harmonize with its philosophy and objectives.

The objectives of the IPA are to:

  • Engage in research that investigates the causes and prevention of addictive and other high-risk behaviors.
  • Evaluate policies designed to promote healthy behaviors and prevent health risk behaviors.
  • Foster evidenced based educational programs focused on the prevention of addiction and other high-risk behaviors.
  • Develop and evaluate prevention materials and programs based on evidenced based research.
  • Cooperate with the GC Health Ministries Department and the ICPA to disseminate scientific research that promotes policies at international, national and local community levels designed to reduce substance use and other health high-risk behaviors.
  • Collaborate with other organizations, universities, groups, or professionals within the Church and society who seek to promote a drug free and healthy life style.
  • Train students (in multiple universities and disciplines) to conduct research on the causes and prevention of substance abuse and encourage new generations of researchers and clinicians in substance abuse research.