Programs designed to prevent or delay the start of substance use among children and teenagers.
In the context of addiction treatment:
These programs focus on education, building coping and refusal skills, and strengthening protective factors like parental involvement and school engagement.
What to know:
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Effective programs are more than “just say no”; they address peer pressure, media messages, mental health, and family dynamics.
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They may be offered in schools, community centers, or online.
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Prevention can significantly reduce the risk of addiction later in life.
Example:
A middle school hosts a youth prevention program where kids learn how to handle peer pressure to vape, practice assertiveness, and hear from speakers in recovery.