Community leaders across the country are grappling with problems caused by drug and alcohol use. Everyone wants to know: What really works? What policies are the most effective in preventing and treating these problems? How can we save lives?

These questions are especially important for elected officials. But too many politicians call for policies that won't work, and too few even know that proven strategies exist. Every public official ought to know there are better ways to prevent alcohol and drug problems than punishing people who have a disease.

Join Together, a project of the Boston University School of Public Health, has created a new publication that answers this crucial question. Ten Drug and Alcohol Policies That Will Save Lives draws on strong scientific research to make a concise but persuasive case for policy measures that are proven to have a positive effect.

 Download the 10 Policies PDF File (110 KB)
PDF files require the free Adobe Reader.

The policy proposals in this document are also supported by the public, which shows great common sense on issues like restricting beer and other alcohol advertising targeted at children, and favoring treatment over jail for non-violent alcoholics and drug users.

Join Together sent this guide to every 2004 candidate across the nation, from every party, who ran for state legislature, governor, other statewide elected office, and Congress. The initiative was funded by contributions from individuals and organizations.

We urge you to use the guide as a tool in your efforts to promote more effective alcohol and drug policies. Bring copies when meeting with your elected officials. Distribute them to your coalition. Use them in public policy workshops, or in any other way you find useful. You may photocopy the PDF file (download link above), or get quality print copies:

Order Print Copies
Print copies of Ten Policies are $1.00 each with a minimum order of twenty-five. These full-color copies are professionally-printed on heavy, glossy paper. To order, send a check made out to Trustees of Boston University to:

Attn: Janet
Join Together
Boston University School of Public Health
One Appleton Street, 4th floor
Boston MA 02116

Please indicate how many copies you are requesting, how soon you need them and how you expect to use them.

If you need an invoice, please email publications@jointogether.org with the number of copies, amount of the invoice, and billing and shipping information. Questions about orders may be directed to the same email address. We are not able to accept credit card orders for this publication.

Make a Donation
The printing and distribution costs of this document were supported by voluntary contributions from individuals and organizations from across the country, not from foundation or government sources. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support our ongoing efforts to educate public officials about effective policies: