October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. This observance focuses on the role substance abuse prevention plays in promoting safe and healthy communities. Underage drinking, non-medical use of prescription drugs, and illicit drug use take a devastating toll on our families and in our communities. There are substance abuse prevention strategies that have been demonstrated to work with youth. Such evidence-based programs and practices are essential tools to reduce substance use and help people lead healthier lives. According to The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) “2012 National Drug Control Strategy,” each dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program can reduce costs related to substance use disorders by an average of $18.00.

There is an abundant need for continued substance abuse prevention in Illinois. The most commonly abused drug among Illinois youth is alcohol, with marijuana second, and tobacco third. While underage drinking in Illinois is on the decline, Illinois 8th and 12th graders are still more likely to use alcohol than their national counterparts. Past 30‐day use among 8th graders was 14.9% in Illinois, compared to 10.2% nationally; among 12th graders it was 44.4% in Illinois vs. 39.2% nationally. Since 2008, Illinois 8th grade youth past year and past 30‐day alcohol use rates have exceeded the national average. Illinois 12th grade use in the past 30 days has exceeded the national rate for high school seniors since 2012. Families, communities, and organizations can become involved in spreading awareness and importance of substance abuse prevention in a number of free and easy ways:

• Educate yourself and others with free or low-cost materials located in Prevention First’s Virtual Clearinghouse.
• Host a substance-free party in October celebrating football season, Halloween, or a birthday.
• Simply start a dialogue discussing your commitment to preventing substance abuse. Starting this conversation is the first step toward change.