Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month

October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month — and we invite you to tell your prevention story.

To inspire action, each of us can share how prevention is improving lives in our community.

• We aim to prevent substance use in the first place, prevent the progression of use (to a disorder), and prevent consequences associated with use. And we have the prevention playbook to do so.
• Prevention science (with decades of research and community-based experience) shows that prevention works.
• Prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society.
• Prevention helps us get ahead of substance use and mental health challenges — so that youth, families, and communities can thrive.

Prevention Month lifts up the national conversation — to showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country.

Join us, as partners in prevention!

Get Involved

• “Talk. They Hear You.”® ― Helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage substance use.
  • Mobile app ― How to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with kids.
  • Screen4Success ― A 10-minute online screening tool to look for signs of risk in yourself, your child, or someone you care about — and find resources.
• SAMHSA’s Prevention Day (February 2, 2026) ― Learn what’s new at this free event.
• National Prevention Week (May 10-16, 2026) ― Showcase your prevention activities — with the help of SAMHSA’s toolkit.
  • Share your #MyPreventionStory on social media.
• Communities Talk ― Discover resources (including stipends) to plan a local event.

Prevention Planning

• ENGAGE: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use (CDC) — 6 strategies (with approaches for each)
• Substance Use Prevention Communications Toolkit (HIDTA) — Framing communications with youth (using social norms)
• Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit — Helps anyone see how to help address the overdose crisis
• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development — Registry of evidence-based programs

Training and Technical Assistance

• Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network
  • Prevention Core Competencies
  • Prevention Marketing
• Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC)
• Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
• National Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Recovery