October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

In 2011, President Obama issued the first-ever Presidential Proclamation designating October as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. The tradition will continue in 2013, as parents, youth, schools, businesses, and community leaders across the country join in this month long observance of the role that substance abuse prevention plays in promoting safe and healthy communities.

Recognizing that everyone has a role to play, the Substance Abuse Prevention Month website includes ideas for ways that community members, including youth, parents, and businesses, can promote substance abuse prevention.   

Parents and organizations that work with parents are encouraged to visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse's new online toolkit for parents. The online resource, Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse, uses videos and information to highlight parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth.

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

President Obama issued a proclamation designating October National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.  National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is a month-long observance to highlight the role substance abuse prevention plays in promoting safe and healthy communities.

Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use.

Prevention strategies targeting the root of the problem are essential to curb drug use and help people lead healthier lives. Early intervention helps prevent substance abuse and reduce the negative consequences of addiction before they occur. Through community-based efforts, like the Prevention WINS coalition, involving youth, parents, educators, and government officers, we can strengthen the support systems that deter young people from drug consumption and improve both academic performance and workforce readiness.  Each dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program can reduce costs related to substance use disorders by an average of $18.

Part of Substance Abuse Prevention Month, October 18 is the first annual "Above the Influence Day".  Youth groups around the country will conduct substance abuse prevention awareness activities.