October is recognized as Substance Use Prevention Month. This serves as a time to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and its associated harms as well as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by substance use disorders (SUDs). As we reflect on the significance of this month, is worth noting the current landscape of substance use and the various strategies that can be employed to foster healthier communities.
According to the World Drug Report, global drug use has increased 20% over the past 20 years, with an estimated 292 million people using drugs in 2022. Marijuana remains the most used substance with approximately 228 million users globally, followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy. Further worrisome numbers presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021, with synthetic opioids being the major contributor. A variety of substance use prevention programs have found that evidence-based prevention strategies can reduce the likelihood of drug use anywhere between 40% to 75%. These numbers highlight the importance of preventing substance use, emphasizing its role not only in individual health but as a broader public health priority.
Substance use prevention protects the public’s health by supporting families, communities and reducing economic costs. Evidence-based prevention strategies can reduce the incidence of substance use disorders, decreasing healthcare burdens and improving overall public health outcomes. It strengthens families and communities by creating supportive environments that foster healthy family dynamics, preventing the exposure of children to parental substance use, a known risk factor for neglect and behavioral problems. The economic impact of substance use is staggering. In 2020, the opioid epidemic cost the United States nearly $1.5 trillion, a 37% increase from 2017. A SAMHSA cost-benefit study showed that for each dollar invested in substance use prevention, up to $10 in treatment and lost productivity can be saved.
Substance use prevention can take many forms including educational awareness campaigns, school-based programs, community engagements, and family support programs. Public educational awareness campaigns that partner with local organizations and other stakeholders inform individuals about the risks associated with substance use and promote healthy behaviors. School based programs such as “LifeSkills Training” and “Too good for drugs” have demonstrated effectiveness in teaching students’ essential skills to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices. Community engagement brings together community members, coalitions and stakeholders to address local substance use issues and develop tailored prevention strategies. Lastly, family support programs that promote positive parenting practices and strengthen family relationships can be instrumental in prevention.
As we observe Substance Use Prevention Month this October, it is important to reflect on how far we have come in terms of prevention efforts, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. At Drug Free America Foundation, we are determined to continue bringing awareness about substance use prevention and provide local, national and international communities with the resources to confront and prevent substance use.
Visit www.dfaf.org to learn more and access resources.
References
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2024). World Drug Report 2024. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2024/WDR_2024_SPI.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). U.S. overdose deaths in 2021 increased half as much as in 2020 – But are still up 15%. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm
NIDA. 2003, October 1. Preventing Drug Use among Children and Adolescents. https://archives.nida.nih.gov/publications/preventing-drug-use-among-children-adolescents
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health (2016). Nov. CHAPTER 7, VISION FOR THE FUTURE: A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424861/
Joint Economic Committee. (2022). The economic toll of the opioid crisis reached nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020. https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/67bced7f-4232-40ea-9263-f033d280c567/jec-cost-of-opioids-issue-brief.pdf
