Substance Use Prevention Month 2025

Substance Use Prevention Month, observed every October since its creation in 2011, highlights the importance of preventing substance misuse before it begins. It raises awareness about the impact of substance use on individuals, families and communities, while recognizing the vital efforts of prevention professionals, educators, parents and organizations working together to create healthier, substance-free futures.

This “plug-and-play” toolkit includes:

Social media content (including text, graphics and videos) to educate social media audiences and provide prevention tips
Resources for learning about pillars of prevention such as mental health
Promotional materials to spread awareness

The toolkit was created to act as a one-stop shop for Open Conversation SC’s partner organizations – please share with your audiences across social media channels and beyond. Download files below to get started.

Social Media Content

Intro

Post Copy - All Platforms: October is #PreventionMonth. We’re sharing statistics, helpful tools and language pointers to guide conversations that keep friends, families and community members safe. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Community

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention works. Decades of research and community-based programs show we can stop substance use before it starts by sharing the facts and establishing trust. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Strong Communities

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention isn’t just about saying “no.” It’s about building connected families and strong communities. This month, talk with your family about the dangers of substance misuse and the importance of safe habits. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Conversations

Post Copy - All Platforms: Supportive relationships with trusted adults help protect youth from substance use. Be the person they know they can turn to, especially for tricky subjects. Conversations are vital to primary prevention! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Opinion-Forming

Post Copy - All Platforms: Your words have power. Research shows that children begin forming opinions about alcohol and drugs as early as age 9, and over 80% of teens say parents are the biggest influence on their choices. Don’t wait to talk! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth.

Risk Factors

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention is proven. It strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors — so youth, families, and communities can thrive. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Show Them

Post Copy - All Platforms: Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported. Here are three ways to show them you’re a safe space to talk during #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth:

Lead by example
Don’t shy away or shut down when talking about tough topics
Discuss mental health openly and often

Statistics: Drinking & Smoking

Post Copy - All Platforms: In South Carolina, nearly 1 in 4 high schoolers say they regularly consume liquor, and 42% say it’s easy to get marijuana. Help us make a difference in the lives of youth during #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth by preventing experimentation and promoting positive habits.

Mental Health

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention isn’t just about substance use. It also helps us get ahead of mental health challenges by promoting healthy coping skills and connection. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Talk About the Risks

Post Copy - All Platforms: Talk early. Talk often. Setting clear expectations about the risks of substance use helps kids make healthy choices. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Providers

Post Copy - All Platforms: Communities that invest in prevention see results: lower rates of substance use, healthier families, and stronger communities. Thank you to the providers who work with boots on the ground to make a difference! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Safe Practices

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention also means reducing risks in your home – from safe medication storage to locking up or safely storing alcohol. Every step saves lives, and safe storage makes a difference. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Prevention Near You

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention is happening right here at home. Celebrate the programs, leaders, and volunteers making a difference in your community. Thank you for all that you do! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Statistic: Marijuana

Post Copy - All Platforms: Nearly 2,400 kids try marijuana for the first time every day. Let’s work to reduce that number by promoting positive coping mechanisms and open conversations. #PreventionMonth

Family Connection

Post Copy - All Platforms: Family connection plays a key role in prevention — from after-school activities to mental health support that keeps kids connected and thriving. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Commitment

Post Copy - All Platforms: October may be ending soon, but prevention is a year-round commitment. Once #PreventionMonth comes to an end, make a commitment to keep up the vital work! #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Awareness

Mission

Post Copy - All Platforms: Together, we are building safer, healthier communities. Prevention helps us tackle substance use and mental health challenges — so that youth, families, and communities can thrive. #PreventionMonth

Share Your Story

Post Copy - All Platforms: When you share your experiences with others, you create open lines of communication and build trust. Don’t be afraid to share your story during #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth.

History

Post Copy - All Platforms: #PreventionMonth has been observed each October since its first proclamation in 2011. Its mission is to inspire action, prevent harms, and reduce risk factors associated with the use of drugs, alchohol, and other substances. Learn more at SAMHSA.gov. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Facts

Post Copy - All Platforms: The earlier in life a person starts experimenting with alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to develop a substance use disorder. During #PreventionMonth, we face this fact head on and provide resources to prevent substance adoption. #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Other Resources

Posters