PREVENTION

Connect to prevention resources

Everyone can help prevent substance misuse. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding drugs – it’s about helping people, families, and communities stay healthy. It includes stopping substance misuse, overdoses, misinformation and the recurrence of substance use disorders before they start. 

Prevention can happen anywhere– in schools, at home, in communities and workplaces, and in everyday conversations. It can mean teaching kids how to manage stress, creating places for connection, offering support early, or making sure people have accurate information and access to services. Policies that support mental health, housing, and economic stability play a role in prevention, too. When we invest in prevention, we build a healthier, more resilient Vermont.  

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Community Prevention Programs

Every community can benefit from substance misuse prevention, but no two communities are exactly the same. Each community has its own needs, challenges, and strengths. Prevention efforts in Vermont are rooted in local voices, local data, and community-led solutions. By bringing together prevention professionals and community members, these efforts are designed to respond to the needs of the community, address specific local challenges, and build on Vermont’s resilient networks. Learn more about how prevention works in Vermont through Prevention Works! VT and Vermont Prevention Lead Organizations, and find support near you through your Local Health Office or Prevention Consultants.

National Prevention Resources

Vermont’s prevention efforts are part of a broader movement supported by national organizations that share the same goals. These groups offer valuable tools, research, and resources to help support prevention efforts across the country and help communities thrive. Visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and CADCA to explore national prevention resources.

Prescription Medication

Storing and disposing of prescription medications safely helps protect everyone in your home – family, friends, kids, and even pets – from accidental or intentional misuse. You can order a free drug disposal envelope or drop off unused medications at a local disposal kiosk to make sure they’re removed safely. Learn what to do if you find a discarded needle, and visit Prescription Opioid Awareness for more information on safe use and understanding the risks.

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Resources for youth, families, and older adults

Substance use affects people differently, and some groups – such as youth, pregnant women and families, and older adults – face greater risks. It’s important to tailor prevention strategies to meet the needs of each group. Through family education, school-based programs, and community outreach, targeted support can reduce substance use and promote overall well-being.

Helping young people avoid or delay substance use can lead to better health and well-being later in life. Research shows that the earlier someone starts using alcohol or other drugs, the greater their risk of developing substance use issues later in life. That’s why families, schools, and communities all play a key role in prevention. To learn more about local and national efforts, explore programs like the Getting to “Y” Program, Our Voices Xposed (OVX), Youth.gov, and Vermont Department of Health Family Programs.

Reducing substance exposure during pregnancy helps support the health and development of both parent and baby. Programs like MyTime offer support for pregnant women and parents who are navigating recovery or substance use. Prevention also plays a key role in parenting and family life – parents and caregivers strongly influence the choices children make around alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Explore tools that support healthy family communication at Let’s Talk Cannabis, One More Conversation, and Parent Up. You can also order free prevention resources, and find information on HIV, STI, and Hepatitis to support overall wellness during pregnancy and parenting.

As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to alcohol and other drugs- even small amounts can have a stronger effect and may increase health risks or interact with medications in harmful ways. Substance misuse among older Vermonters is increasing, which makes awareness and prevention especially important. Learn how aging can affect substance use, and explore resources like Vermont Department of Health – Substance Use in Older Adults, the NIH Drug Facts – Substance Use in Older Adults, and your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s).