Prepare for Substance Use Prevention Month

October is Substance Use Prevention Month, a time to highlight the importance of preventing substance use and its related harms. This month is an opportunity to showcase how prevention is positively impacting communities and to inspire action. Prevention efforts focus on reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors across individuals, families, schools, and communities.

To support these efforts, a comprehensive toolkit is available with resources like social media shareables, graphics, and virtual backgrounds. SAMHSA will also release blog posts and host virtual events throughout the month. A key highlight is the presidential proclamation recognizing October as National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month.

Additionally, various resources are provided to help individuals, families, and communities engage in prevention activities. These include campaigns like “Talk. They Hear You.”®, a campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage substance use. The Screen4Success tool is a 10-minute online screening to look for signs of risk in yourself, your child, or someone you care about — and find resources. They also include information on upcoming events such as SAMHSA’s Prevention Day and National Prevention Week.

With a focus on evidence-based strategies, training, and technical assistance, this month aims to drive national conversations and actions to prevent substance misuse and support healthier communities. Visit the SAMHSA site to download your toolkit today!