Substance Use Prevention Month, observed every October, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventing substance use among individuals, particularly youth. In a recent presidential proclamation, President Biden reiterated the importance of this practice, with the aim to support young people in leading healthy and successful lives.
Drug overdoses have been a significant and increasing issue across the US, which is addressed within the educational, preventative, and supportive campaigns enacted during Substance Use Prevention Month.
What is Substance Use Prevention Month?
October was first designated as National Substance Use Prevention Month in 2011 by President Obama and has been observed every month since. It highlights the critical need for education, early intervention, and community support to prevent drug and alcohol misuse.
During this month, organizations, communities, and policymakers come together to promote healthy choices, reduce the stigma around substance use disorders, and provide resources for families and individuals seeking guidance.
Early intervention for substance use issues can be crucial in preventing severe consequences of drug use, such as overdose, addiction relapse, and mental and physical health issues. Research shows that accessing substance use treatment early can improve recovery outcomes. [3][4]
The importance of substance use prevention
In the United States, substance use leads to increasing numbers of drug-related harm, overdose, and death occurring every year. For example:
- Every year, over 70,000 people die from drug overdoses [5]
- Drug overdose deaths quadrupled from 2002 to 2022 [6]
- From 2013 to 2022, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl increased by over 2000% [6]
- Among people aged 12 and over, 13.5% have used drugs in the last 30 days [5]
- People who first use an illegal drug before the age of 13 are around three times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those who try illegal drugs for the first time after the age of 17 [5]
Implementing prevention initiatives can help reduce the number of people using drugs, particularly young people, and can contribute to a reduction in the development of substance use disorders and overdose deaths across the US.
Substance abuse prevention initiatives for the youth
Substance use prevention extends beyond the individual and can also involve families, school staff, local governments, and healthcare providers. Various institutions also work together to reduce substance abuse risks among youth. [7]
For example:
- Government initiatives like SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework guide evidence-based approaches, and the Partnership for Success provides grants to tackle underage drinking and drug misuse.
- Schools offer prevention education programs and Student Assistance Programs (SAPs) to support students' mental health.
- In the healthcare sector, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) enable early screening for risky behaviors, and pediatricians act as advocates for prevention during routine visits.
- At the community level, community coalitions unite parents, educators, and health professionals to develop local prevention strategies, while youth-led programs empower young people to promote substance-free lifestyles.
How to get involved in Substance Use Prevention Month
There are several ways to get involved in Substance Use Prevention Month, including: [2][8][9]
- Volunteering: Find out about local substance use prevention campaigns and initiatives you can volunteer with, such as volunteering with SAFE Project.
- Researching and educating yourself: Read information about substance use statistics and impacts, treatment options, available services, and personal stories about addiction and recovery. This can improve your attitude and understanding toward substance use issues and give you the knowledge to inform others.
- Attending seminars and educational activities: Find out about local or online seminars you can attend to expand your knowledge and understanding of substance use and prevention strategies. You could also encourage others to access these resources as well.
- Sharing information on social media: Spreading information on social media platforms can help improve understanding, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of substance use prevention.
- Planning events within the community: Get involved with planning events to raise money for or awareness of substance use prevention strategies, overdose education, and accessing resources and services.
- Overdose management training: Understanding how to recognize signs of overdose, administer naloxone, and support people during substance use crises can be critical in saving lives and preventing harm.
Substance use prevention resources and toolkits
Information and statistics
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Alcohol Facts and Statistics: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Trends & Statistics: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health
Support
- Narcotics Anonymous: https://usa-na.org/
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SMART Recovery: www.smartrecovery.org
- Treatment locator: https://findtreatment.gov/
Toolkits and resources
- SAMHSA Toolkit including information, slides, and shareable graphics and images: https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/observances/substance-use-prevention-month
- SAMHSA Prevention Resources for Building Healthy Communities including community outreach materials and information for young people: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/npw-resources-building-healthy-communities.pdf
- SAFE Project resources including online training and seminars, treatment locators, and overdose training: https://www.safeproject.us/prevention-month/
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) informational resources to support young people with substance abuse issues relating to trauma: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-substance-abuse-prevention-month
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