Prevention Gone Wrong:

The Do’s, Don’ts, and the Common-Sense Lessons in Drug Prevention for Children and Youth

In a world where ineffective prevention efforts can do more harm than good, Prevention Gone Wrong takes a bold and evidence-based approach to drug prevention. This book challenges outdated scare tactics, misinformation, and counterproductive strategies that have shaped the field for decades. Instead, it offers practical, research-backed alternatives that genuinely support young people in making healthier choices.

prevention gone wrong

Why Buy This Book?

If you care about drug prevention—whether as a parent, teacher, policymaker, or prevention professional—this book is an essential read. It debunks common myths, exposes well-intentioned but flawed strategies, and provides actionable insights grounded in science. Instead of fear-based messaging, Prevention Gone Wrong focuses on empowering youth through resilience, critical thinking, and supportive environments.

prevention gone wrong

Who Can Benefit from This Book?

Educators & Prevention Specialists – Learn how to implement prevention strategies that truly work.
Parents & Caregivers – Understand what influences your child’s decisions and how to have meaningful conversations.
Policymakers & Advocates – Get the facts on what prevention policies make a real impact.
NGOs & Community Leaders – Discover how to build more effective prevention programs.

About the Author

Matej Košir

Matej Košir is an internationally recognized expert in prevention science and public health advocacy. With over two decades of experience, he has worked on numerous projects at national and international levels, particularly within the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). His dedication to evidence-based policies has made him a leading voice in the field of prevention.

What Experts Say

Diana Fishbein

Diana Fishbein, Ph.D., a leading prevention scientist, praises Prevention Gone Wrong for its refreshing, research-driven approach. She highlights Matej’s ability to bridge science with real-world application, emphasizing the importance of relationships, social and emotional development, and critical thinking over outdated scare tactics. According to Fishbein, this book is not just an insightful read—it’s a call to action for everyone invested in the well-being of young people.

What Experts Say

Pall Rikhardsson

Chief Executive Officer at Planet Youth (Iceland). Educator and researcher at Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)

I recently enjoyed reading Prevention Gone Wrong by Matej Košir. This book provides a lighthearted yet insightful overview of youth drug prevention practices that have been used over the years. Many of these practices aim to scare kids away from drugs by sharing alarming stories from police officers or recovering addicts. Others overload young people with statistical data in hopes they’ll make rational, informed decisions. Unfortunately, these approaches often place the responsibility solely on the shoulders of youth—an expectation that has proven to be far less effective than community-based strategies. One such community-based strategy is the Icelandic Prevention Model, which has demonstrated remarkable results by involving the entire community in creating a supportive environment for youth. Rather than isolating young people with fear tactics or data overload, it focuses on building strong, protective networks and fostering healthy lifestyle choices. This book is a valuable read for anyone interested in prevention, community engagement, or youth advocacy. Highly recommended!

What Experts Say

Dr. Wadih Maalouf

Global Prevention Programme Coordinator, Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

A well-thought-out and highly recommended read for a diverse audience:

For experts in prevention: It offers valuable insights on how to address and counter ineffective or counterproductive prevention strategies in a lighthearted and easily communicable way.
For policymakers involved in prevention: It provides thought-provoking perspectives to reflect on, without sounding pretentious or feeling like a personal attack—just friendly and convincing
advice.
For those considering a future in prevention: It serves as a great starting point, offering a solid foundation and highlighting pitfalls to avoid. In a nutshell: A useful, easy, and enjoyable read for all—a true crowd-pleaser (if you’re in the
prevention crowd).

Kudos for putting this out there, Matej!

What Experts Say

Dr. Mousa Al-Tareefi

The Jordan Anti Drugs Society’s CEO

Reading Prevention Gone Wrong by Matej Košir was an incredibly enriching experience. The book offers a refreshing and much-needed critique of outdated prevention methods, such as fear-based messaging and moral panic tactics, which have unfortunately persisted in many programs around the world. Matej skillfully explains why these strategies fail and how they can even backfire, causing more harm than good. What stood out most to me was the clarity and practicality of the research-backed alternatives he proposes.

The book doesn’t just point out what’s wrong—it offers constructive solutions rooted in science, common sense, and respect for young people. As someone actively working in prevention, I found these insights highly relevant and immediately applicable to real-life programming and community outreach efforts.

Matej’s work is a valuable contribution to the global prevention field. His passion for protecting youth through evidence-based, compassionate, and realistic approaches shines through every chapter. I highly recommend this book to all professionals, educators, and policymakers involved in prevention—it will challenge your thinking, broaden your perspective, and ultimately improve your practice.

What Experts Say

Cristina von Sperling Afridi

Founder/Chairperson at Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAW), Pakistan

Many people still believe in outdated drug prevention methods, but the book Prevention Gone Wrong by Matej Košir immediately sparks curiosity—even from the title—and brilliantly clarifies the topic. As someone who strongly believes that Prevention is Education and the key to reducing drug addiction, I found this book both eye-opening and reassuring. It’s essential that we recognize the most effective prevention practices—and Matej succeeds in clearly expressing this throughout his book. As I went through the chapters, I was pleased and relieved to realize that at KKAWF, we also steer clear of the common “Don’ts.”

We believe in prevention based on Love and Logic, which aligns perfectly with the principles highlighted in the book. Written with a dash of humor, the book makes an otherwise heavy and critical subject easy to understand, relatable, and applicable across all levels of society and among diverse cultures and nationalities. A must-read for teachers, parents, and anyone involved in shaping healthier futures for young people.

What Experts Say

Amy Ronshausen

Executive Director, Drug Free America Foundation, Inc.
President, World Federation Against Drugs

Matej Košir’s Prevention Gone Wrong reflects his deep expertise in preventing illicit drug use among children. Contrasting the well-intentioned but flawed strategies of the past, he offers a clear, evidence-based guide grounded in common sense and science. This book is essential reading for professionals in the field and highly recommended for anyone dedicated to raising healthy, resilient youth.

What Experts Say

Asia Ashraf

Founder of the NGO Peace Inn, Pakistan, Special Advisor to the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), Secretary and Board member of the VNGOC

Prevention Gone Wrong by Matej Košir is a truly excellent contribution to the field of prevention science. Košir, a recognized leader in the field, has masterfully presented complex scientific concepts in simple, accessible language, making this book an essential resource for both professionals and newcomers in prevention work.

Through relatable scenarios and clear explanations, the book highlights what is not working in the field of prevention — and, crucially, explains why these common approaches fail. One striking example is the widespread use of scare tactics in drug prevention programs. Košir not only identifies their ineffectiveness but scientifically explains, through the concept of “optimism bias,” why such tactics often backfire. He further offers practical alternatives rooted in building real-life decision-making skills, social competencies, and positive role modeling. What sets this book apart is that it does not merely critique. It provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap for what does work in prevention. Košir systematically debunks persistent myths in the field — such as relying on former addicts as prevention speakers, depending heavily on social media campaigns, simplistic “just say no” messages, punitive law enforcement measures, and random drug testing — and does so with both scientific rigor and a touch of light, sarcastic humor that keeps the reader engaged. The book emphasizes the importance of early childhood development, building resilience, empowering young people to make informed and healthy choices, fostering mentorship, and nurturing positive relationships. Košir’s approach is not just about avoiding harm but about actively creating supportive environments that enable young people to thrive.

Ultimately, Prevention Gone Wrong is not merely a book to read; it is a call to action. It offers a comprehensive, evidence-based, and humane roadmap for prevention that the field urgently needs. For anyone committed to doing prevention work right — with compassion, effectiveness, and scientific integrity — this book is an indispensable guide.

What Experts Say

Stig Erik Sørheim

the Head of the International Department of Actis (Norwegian Policy Network on Alcohol and Drugs) and the President of European Action on Drugs (EURAD)

In this easy to read book, Matej Košir explains the limitations of many widespread prevention practices, such as scare tactics, over-simplified messages, punitive approaches or information overload. But more importantly, he explains why these approaches don’t work as intended, and shows what we should do instead.

The take home message is that prevention is not about instructing children and young people about what to do and not to do, but to build supportive environments, to strengthen resilience and to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make choices in line with their own values and priorities. Prevention is not a one-off event with an external speaker. It is a continuous process that begins in early childhood and continues through adolescence.

What Experts Say

Linda Richter, PhD

Senior Vice President, Prevention Research and Analysis
Partnership to End Addiction www.drugfree.org

Reading Matej Košir’s book, Prevention Gone Wrong, was an incredibly refreshing and clarifying experience for me. Working in the field of youth substance use prevention for several decades now, I’ve never before read something that so accurately and powerfully dispels popular misconceptions about how to prevent young people from using substances while at the same time laying out research-based strategies that better accomplish that goal and, more importantly, promote healthy development and well-being.

The book is organized in a simple and clear way, going chapter by chapter to describe common approaches to prevention; elucidate why each either doesn’t work, backfires, or only works as part of a broader approach; and offering practical and sensible alternatives. Dr. Košir’s obvious affection for young people and recognition of their tremendous potential shine through in every word, and the reader is left feeling motivated and empowered to truly make a difference in young people’s lives by offering understanding, compassion, good modeling, and authentic support. The book underscores a key tenet of prevention science, which is that every adult who interacts in any way with a young person not only has the responsibility, but the opportunity, to change the trajectory of that child’s life for the better. Whether you’re a seasoned prevention professional or new to the field, a teacher, a parent, a coach, a guidance counselor, or really any adult who cares about or cares for kids, you’ll come away from this book with a better understanding both of how to keep young people safe from substances and how to best help them thrive and flourish.

What Experts Say

Sana Ullah Rathore

Global DDR Trainer UNODC/ISSUP, Trainer Colombo Plan Drug advisory programmer, CEO Pakistan Youth Organization

Prevention Gone Wrong’ by Mr. Matej is an invaluable resource for drug prevention activists. The book explores flawed approaches and ineffective messages that can confuse teens and youth, while highlighting successful strategies. Matej covers various topics, including the roles of law enforcement, social workers, and media in prevention.

Through engaging examples and accessible language, he provides practical skills to prevent substance use. The book’s narrative is compelling, offering key insights and takeaways. Matej’s expertise solidifies his position as a leader in the field, making this book a highly recommended contribution.

What Experts Say

Carlton Hall

President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlton Hall Consulting LLC

Prevention Gone Wrong is one of the most useful resources for the prevention workforce I can recommend. If you are new to the field or a veteran with decades of experience, you will find value in the skills, tools, stories, and pragmatic applications of prevention science, all based firmly in the latest research and evidence. Matej Košir’s passionate, common sense, and relatable writing never waters down the science, but rather, makes it one of the most accessible books on the subject I’ve ever read. If you are in the field of prevention or merely care about improving our approach towards healthier practices and policies, quite simply, Prevention Gone Wrong, is a must.

What Experts Say

Heather Bacchus

Founder of the initiative “Be Extraordinary, Be You – Preventing Youth Marijuana Use” (https://www.beextraordinarybeyou.org/)

Author of the book “A Higher Love: A Journey Through Addiction, Cannabis-Induced Psychosis, Suicide, and Redemption” (https://www.beextraordinarybeyou.org/a-higher-love)

As parents who have lost a child to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide, we now dedicate our lives to educating youth and parents through prevention presentations. Prevention Gone Wrong has been an invaluable resource. This book has given us the tools to make our presentations comprehensive, engaging, effective, and truly impactful.

It is exceptionally well written and thoughtfully organized. One of the best features is the chapter summaries, which highlight key points in prevention strategies and make it easy to revisit the most critical takeaways.

We believe this is a must-read for anyone in the prevention field—whether you’re an educator, parent, counselor, or community leader. Prevention Gone Wrong is not just informative; it is empowering.

Don’t settle for ineffective prevention strategies. Discover what truly works—get your copy of Prevention Gone Wrong today!

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