Join us in raising awareness and supporting efforts to prevent substance use in our communities.

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Dear Friend,

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month and we know that prevention is needed in order to reduce substance use and its harms. Evidence shows that 95% of people who do not initiate drug use by age 21 are unlikely to ever do so, which is why it’s crucial to begin prevention education as early as possible.

Substance use is also associated with health issues ([link removed]) , including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, liver damage, kidney damage, mental disorders, prenatal defects, and others. Use that begins before the ages of 25-30 can permanently change brain areas, resulting in lower intelligence, increased impulsivity, and a reduced attention span.

Prevention can help build healthy and safer communities and protect our future generations from the impacts of addiction. Click here to learn more about FDPS’ resources on prevention ([link removed]) .

One of the nation's top leaders in prevention is our longtime partner, CADCA ([link removed]) . We are thankful for their work in prevention in communities across the country. This month, Dr. Kevin Sabet and the SAM Team will be receiving CADCA’s Raiko Mendoza Pagliarello Champion for Drug-Free Kids Award at their upcoming awards dinner. We are honored to receive this award and for CADCA’s dedication to building safe, healthy, and drug-free communities across the nation. Their support and leadership have helped thousands of coalitions to create positive change. We’re proud to partner with CADCA and contribute to their mission of uniting communities to reduce substance use and promote public health.
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Prevention plays an important role in addressing substance use and overdoses across America. This month, let’s inspire others to take action by sharing the stories of how prevention is making a real difference in communities nationwide.

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Smart Approaches to Marijuana ([link removed]) (SAM) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We are professionals working in mental health and public health. We are bipartisan. We are medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, preventionists, teachers, law enforcement officers and others who seek a middle road between incarceration and legalization. Our commonsense, third-way approach to marijuana policy is based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.

The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions ([link removed]) (FDPS) is a national drug policy think/action tank whose vision is a world in which children and families thrive, substance use is prevented, and there is rapid access to quality treatment. From prevention and recovery to smart law enforcement and better international cooperation, we are working to change the face of drug policy. Too many people are losing their lives to addiction. It is time for big change.

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