Resources

Evidence -Based Education

• SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center
  A library of proven interventions in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery—designed for practitioners, educators, and community leaders.(Link: SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center) (SAMHSA)
  
• CDC ENGAGE: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use
  Offers six scientifically grounded strategies—like enhancing skills, strengthening families, providing extracurricular access—that can be tailored to local community needs.
  (Link: CDC ENGAGE resource) (CDC)
• Youth.gov: Prevention Programs
  Details school- and family-based approaches proven to prevent drug abuse, including technology and media-supported initiatives.
  (Link: Youth.gov – Prevention) (Youth.gov)
• Natural High
  A youth-focused, evidence-informed program using compelling storytelling and videos to inspire teens to choose self-empowering "natural highs" instead of substance use.
  (Link: Natural High) (Natural High)

Community Engagement and Coalition Building
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• Communities That Care (CTC)
  A SAMHSA-backed, research-based prevention system that helps communities assess risks, engage multiple stakeholders, and implement effective strategies rooted in public health.
  (Link: Communities That Care info) (Wikipedia)
• Operation Snowball
  A peer-to-peer leadership model promoting drug-free choices via youth-led retreats and community-based activities, structured by age group.
  (Link: Operation Snowball) (Wikipedia)

Support Services & Crisis Help
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• SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)
  A free, 24/7 confidential service in English and Spanish offering referrals to treatment centers, support groups, and local organizations. Also accessible via text.
  (Link: SAMHSA Helpline) (SAMHSA)
• SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs)
  Comprehensive, expert-authored best-practice manuals covering screening, treatment, co-occurring disorders, and more, free to download.
  (Link: SAMHSA TIPs information) (Wikipedia)

Parents, Educators & Advocacy
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• NIDA: Parents & Educators Resources
  Offers lesson plans, activities, conversation starters, and teen-friendly multimedia about brain development and substance use.
  (Link: NIDA Parents & Educators) (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Prevention Resources
  A curated collection of articles, evaluations, research, and best practices from long-standing youth substance use prevention initiatives.
  (Link: Substance Use Prevention Resources) (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

Campaigns & Toolkits
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• SAMHSA Prevention Resources & Campaign Toolkits
  Access downloadable graphics, toolkits, and Planning/Promotional materials tied to National Prevention Week and PRevention Month, complete with youth engagement themes. (Link: SAMHSA Prevention Toolkit) (SAMHSA)
• SAMHSA Voices of Youth
  A youth-centric platform offering engagement opportunities, webinars, and storytelling tools—letting teens lead the narrative for substance prevention.
  (Link: Voices of Youth) (SAMHSA)