September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength of individuals in recovery and recognize the many pathways that support healing and wellness. It is also an opportunity to highlight how substance use prevention, harm reduction, and recovery are connected. These approaches are sometimes viewed as separate parts of the substance use continuum, but they share an important goal: supporting the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and comm

When it comes to youth substance use, prevention and harm reduction are sometimes viewed as opposing approaches. Prevention focuses on stopping substance use before it starts or delaying initiation, while harm reduction focuses on reducing negative consequences associated with substance use. Effective youth substance use prevention and harm reduction can work together to create safer, healthier communities and better outcomes for young people. Prevention and Harm Reduction: D

Back-to-school season is about more than new schedules, school supplies, and getting back into a routine. For young people, it can also mean navigating new friendships, increased academic expectations, changing social pressures, extracurricular activities, and questions about where they fit in. For youth-serving organizations, after-school programs, mentoring programs, recreation centers, clubs, and other community organizations, this time of year offers an important opportun

Every young person deserves a safe place to sleep, supportive adults, and opportunities to thrive. Unfortunately, thousands of youth across the United States experience homelessness or unstable housing each year. Whether they are sleeping on a friend's couch, living in shelters, staying in cars, or surviving on the streets, unhoused youth face challenges that extend far beyond finding their next meal or a safe place to stay. Housing Instability Is a Risk Factor—Not a Cause It

Think about the last time you spent time outside. Maybe you took a walk, played a game, or sat under a tree. Chances are you felt calmer, happier, and more refreshed afterward. Youth need these moments too. Getting young people outside for activities offers more than just fresh air and exercise. It builds strong protective factors that help youth grow into confident, healthy adults. Outdoor experiences also play a key role in preventing substance use by providing positive alt

When parents think about protecting their children, they often think about seat belts, bike helmets, smoke detectors, or learning CPR. These safety measures do not encourage risky behavior—they prepare families to respond during an emergency. Naloxone belongs in that same category. As counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other illicit opioids continue to increase across the country, youth overdose prevention has become an important part of community health. Parents, care

Summer is often seen as a season of freedom for young people—longer days, fewer responsibilities, and more time with friends. But while summer offers opportunities for fun and growth, it also comes with increased risks. For many youth, summer means less structure, less supervision, and more unscheduled time. Research and prevention professionals have long recognized that substance use often rises during summer months as opportunities for experimentation increase. Whether it’s

When people think about substance use prevention, they often picture educational programs, awareness campaigns, or discussions about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. While these strategies are important, research consistently shows that one of the most powerful protective factors against substance misuse is something much simpler: healthy relationships. Prevention begins long before a young person is ever offered a substance. It starts at home, in schools, on sports teams, i

Today’s youth are growing up in a world where drug culture is often normalized, glamorized, and constantly visible online. From viral videos and memes to music, influencers, and social media trends, young people are exposed to messages that can make substance use appear harmless, exciting, or even socially acceptable. Helping youth recognize manipulation, think critically about what they see online, and build confidence to resist peer pressure is essential in creating healthi