Substance Use Prevention Month 2026

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 Alternate

Post Copy - All Platforms: October is Substance Use Prevention Month. Sharing statistics, real tools, and conversation starters helps you protect our communities. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Talking to Teens

Post Copy - All Platforms: Setting clear expectations about the risks of substance use helps young people make healthier choices. Start the conversation before you think you need to. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Talking to Friends and Family

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention happens in your home because someone takes the first step. Whether you decide to go substance-free for yourself, your family, your children, or a personal reason, your decision is valid. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

"Prevention is..."

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention isn't only about substance use — it's also about getting ahead of mental health challenges through healthy coping skills and real connection. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Statistics: Vaping

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

"Prevention is for everyone."

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention works by strengthening protective factors — like family connection and school engagement — and reducing risk factors, so youth and families can thrive. #Prevention #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Safe Storage

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention also means reducing risk at home. Locking up medications and securely storing alcohol are easy to implement. They're small steps that make a real difference. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Prevention is more than saying "no."

Post Copy - All Platforms: Prevention isn't about saying "no" — it's about building connected families and strong communities. This week, talk with your family about safe habits and why they matter. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Awareness

Statistics: Drinking

Post Copy - All Platforms: The earlier someone starts experimenting with alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to develop a substance use disorder. Sharing resources and education helps to prevent this. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

Statistics: "Prevention Works"

Post Copy - All Platforms: Communities that invest in prevention see real results — including lower reported overdoses according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Vital Statistics. Thank you to the providers doing this work every day. #PreventionMonth #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth

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

Social Media Headers

Show your support! Use social media profile headers during Substance Use Prevention Month. These graphics can replace your profile header or cover image to let fans and followers know that you support prevention efforts.