Youth substance use is a significant public health challenge in the United States, but importantly, it’s preventable. In 2024, surveys revealed that 9% of eighth graders, 16.9% of tenth graders, and 26.2% of twelfth graders reported using illegal substances within the past year. Early substance use is associated with serious consequences, including impaired brain development, decreased school performance, increased absenteeism, heightened risk of later substance use disorders, and even premature death.
To help address these risks, the CDC developed ENGAGE: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use, a practical resource for schools, families, and communities. ENGAGE highlights six proven strategies:
- Enhance knowledge and skills through school-based programs.
- Nurture family environments with parenting and home visitation programs.
- Provide youth with access to resources and activities such as mentorship and extracurricular programs.
- Amplify protective community environments by fostering healthier neighborhoods.
- Guard efforts to lessen immediate and long-term harms by supporting youth exposed to adversity.
- Encourage provider and health system engagement through screening and early interventions.
These strategies are flexible and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of any community. With the right resources and collaboration, communities can delay initiation, reduce risks, and build protective environments where young people can thrive.
Youth substance use is not inevitable. With evidence-based strategies, strong community engagement, and early action, we can prevent harm, protect health, and empower the next generation to reach their full potential. Prevention begins with us.
Protecting youth from nicotine addiction is essential for their long-term health and well-being.
Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/interventions/youth-substance-use-prevention.html
