Drug-Free Redefined

Substance Use Prevention Month

October is Substance Use Prevention Month—a time to highlight the importance of preventing substance misuse before it begins and strengthening the protective factors that help young people thrive.

Prevention begins with connection. Supportive relationships with family, trusted adults, schools, and communities can help young people make healthy choices and feel comfortable reaching out for help.

- Guidance and Counseling, Substance Use Awareness & Prevention Counselor -

Prevention Starts with Connection

Young people benefit when adults remain involved, communicate clear expectations, and create opportunities for honest conversations.

Families can strengthen prevention by:

Having frequent, age-appropriate conversations about alcohol, vaping, marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances.
Clearly communicating family expectations about substance use.
Knowing their child’s friends, activities, and online influences.
Helping young people develop healthy coping and refusal skills.
Recognizing changes in behavior, mood, friendships, attendance, or academic performance.
Reaching out for support early when concerns arise.

Small conversations today can influence healthier decisions tomorrow.

Learn more: CDC – Substance Use Among Youth

Alcohol

Key points

Excessive alcohol use can have immediate and long-term effects.
Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking during pregnancy or by people younger than 21.
Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.
You can lower your health risks by drinking less or choosing not to drink. (CDC)

Cannabis Use Disorder

Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder

Key Points

Some people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder, meaning that they are unable to stop using cannabis even though it's causing health and social problems in their lives.
The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is greater in people who start using cannabis during youth or adolescence and who use cannabis more frequently. (CDC)

Fentanyl - Fake Pills

Remember - The only safe medications are ones that come from licensed and accredited medical professionals. DEA warns that pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal.

Prescriptions and Opioids

Prescription drug misuse is when someone takes a medication the wrong way.

Taking too much, or too often, or too long.
Using it for something it wasn’t prescribed for ― the feeling it gives you, to relieve tension, sleep, or be alert or study.
Taking a medication that wasn’t prescribed to you ― getting it from a family member or friend.
Taking it in a way other than directed (such as crushing pills).
Taking it with alcohol or other drugs. (SAMHSA)

Tobacco, E-cigarettes, and Vaping

Emerging Trend - 7-OH Vapes

“Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH. After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.”

Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Start the Conversation

You do not need to have all the answers to begin an important conversation.

Try asking:

“What are students your age saying about vaping or marijuana?”
“What would you do if someone offered you a vape, pill, or other substance?”
“What helps you manage stress when you feel overwhelmed?”
“Who are the trusted adults you can talk with when you need help?”
“What have you seen online that makes substance use look harmless?”

Listen without immediately interrupting or judging. Calm, ongoing conversations make it more likely that young people will continue coming to trusted adults with questions and concerns.

Red Ribbon Week