In October, our nation highlights the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health.
Studies show that the earlier an individual begins smoking, drinking, and/or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction.
Every year that substance use is delayed during adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and substance abuse decreases.
Nine out of ten people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs begin using these substances before age 18; those who begin using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly seven times likelier to develop a substance abuse problem (than those who delay first use until age 21 or older).
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, law enforcement professionals, educators and school staff, and policymakers.
For more information on Substance Abuse Prevention Month, visit: nctsn.org.
Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services on behalf of National Recovery Month 2023 – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Recovery Month was first recognized in September of 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Webinar: HEAL Headliners: HEALing Across the Lifespan
WHEN: November 3, 2023 at 11:00a – 12:00p (PT)
Learn more & register today >>
Webinar: Exploring Value-Based Payment for Substance Use Disorder Services in the United States
WHEN: November 13, 2023 at 11:00a (PT)
Learn more & register today >>
Save the Date!
SAMHSA’s 20th Prevention Day: Leading With Science, Improving Lives
WHEN: Monday, January 29, 2024
WHERE: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
Join Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the largest annual national gathering dedicated to advancing the prevention of substance use. The 20th Annual Prevention Day conference will explore current programs, policies, innovations, and emerging issues; reflect on past accomplishments; and chart a course for the future of prevention! Interested in presenting? Learn more about the Call for Presentations. Deadline for abstract submissions: November 6, 2023 at 8:50p (PT).
Alcohol and Your Brain, A Rollercoaster Ride Through Your Brain – An interactive app from META and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Take a virtual rollercoaster ride through the brain to learn about alcohol’s effects on the primary brain areas affected by alcohol. Stops include the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Preventing early trauma to improve adult health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov).
Begin Addressing Opioids in Your Organization – National Safety Coalition (NSC)
Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
DO YOU KNOW THE TRUTH ON RISKY DRUG USE? – Too Much to Lose
Drug-Free Communities Program Successes – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov).
Drug Overdose Data, Evidence-based Strategies and Resources – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov).
Life in Recovery – National Institutes of Health (NIH) HEAL Initiative
NIDA Scientist Virtual Q&A Videos: Teacher’s Guide – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) resource for students to watch videos and learn answers to teens’ top questions about drug use and addiction.
Opioid Guidelines, Data, and Resources – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov).
Own Your Limits – Own Your Limits is a Defense Department (DOD) education campaign, aligned to the Defense Health Agency, for the U.S. military. The mission of the campaign is to help Service members learn to drink responsibly if they choose to drink alcohol.
Partners in Prevention – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Polysubstance Use Facts – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov).
“Talk. They Hear You.”®, A Decade of Youth Substance Use Prevention – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national youth substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use.
Voices of Youth – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
YouCanQuit2 – Kickstart your quit journey with the YouCanQuit2 Quit Plan. Make your future tobacco free!
FREE, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
CALL: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
TEXT: Text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to locate treatment in your area or visit findtreatment.gov.
Courtesy: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and other resources.