Youth Substance Use Prevention Programs
Early intervention helps prevent long-term addiction by empowering young people to make informed decisions at the most critical moments.
Youth Substance Use Prevention
Youth substance use prevention is critical because adolescence is a key period of brain development, during which substance use can disrupt neural pathways, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of developing long-term addiction. Research shows that prevention efforts aimed at delaying or reducing substance use initiation are highly effective in mitigating these risks.
Implementing prevention programs that combine education, peer engagement, and access to support resources is vital in empowering young people to make informed decisions, promoting long-term well-being, and reducing the likelihood of substance use disorders later in life.
U.S. youth diagnosed with substance use disorder 1
of people with addiction used substances before age 18
is the median age youth begin using substances
Overdose Lifeline Youth Education and Prevention Programs
Overdose Lifeline is a leader in youth substance use programs, offering five education and prevention programs, all used for various settings and ages. All the below programs are designed to increase teen and youth awareness around drug use and its consequences.
This is Not About Drugs
In-person
This is Not About Drugs: Opioids
This peer-based youth opioid prevention program features personal stories from 12 young people with lived experience, along with insights from a subject matter expert, to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. The curriculum creates opportunities for learning through guided, interactive group discussions focused on the risks of opioid use, the dangers of fentanyl-laced street drugs and counterfeit pills, availability of naloxone (brand name NARCAN®), and explains how to seek help if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose.
Overdose Lifeline Offers Facilitator Training and Implementation (Central Indiana)
Online and in-person
This is Not About Drugs: Perspectives
Perspectives provides a nuanced and authentic perspective on substance use and addiction. Through online self-guided modules featuring interviews with young adults and subject matter experts, combined with peer-based group discussions and reflection assignments, the program delivers honest conversations and powerful learning experiences. Perspectives empowers youth to engage with the complexities of addiction, fostering empathy, understanding, and informed decision-making.
Overdose Lifeline Offers Facilitator Training and Implementation (Central Indiana)
PreVenture
Classroom
PreVenture
PreVenture is an evidence-based prevention program that uses personality targeted interventions to promote mental health and skill development, as well as delay youth substance use. PreVenture incorporates motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth better understand and manage the aspects of their personalities associated with risky behaviors and substance use.
The program was developed by Dr. Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal.
Overdose Lifeline Offers Facilitator Training.
Aaron's Place
Is Your Child Affected By a Family Member’s Substance Use?
Aaron’s place is a free drug prevention program designed to provide youth aged 9-12 with a safe environment to learn about addiction while also enjoying a traditional camp experience. Taking place six times per year, Aaron’s Place is open to all Indiana youth that have been affected by substance use disorder.
Ages 9-12
Camp Mariposa - Indianapolis and Southern Indiana: Aaron's Place
Camp Mariposa Indianapolis and Southern Indiana: Aaron’s Place is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Youth aged 9-12 attend weekend camps up to six times a year. Weekend camps offer fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals and trained adult mentors.
Ages 13-17
Aaron's Place: Exchange
Aaron’s Place: Exchange (APEX) is an Indiana youth program for those aged 13-17. Apex is focused on building resilience and fostering community for youth who have been impacted by the substance use disorder of a family member. This prevention program is offered through two monthly virtual sessions, and one bi-monthly in-person session/event. Led by mental health professionals, APEX focuses on building protective factors through therapeutic interventions, skill building, and mentorship.
Get Started with our Youth Programs
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