Substance Use Prevention

Preventing tobacco, marijuana, opioid and other substance use among youth requires a collaborative approach that addresses a range of risk and protective factors. Substance use disorders directly affect millions of people every year, causing motor vehicle crashes, crimes, injuries, reduced quality of life, impaired health, and far too many deaths. Consistent prevention messages must be present from early childhood through young adulthood and be reinforced by multiple messengers at home, at school, and in the community. 

Understanding Substance Use

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state.

Sticky note with handwriting over the face of a teenagerEveryone Has A Why - Youth Campaign

The youth version of Everyone Has A Why highlights why students choose not to use substances, focusing on positive choices and real voices. Through handwritten notes and anonymous portraits, teens share personal reasons for staying substance-free, protecting their health, values, and relationships.

 Using sticky notes, torn paper cutouts, and new color accents, the campaign expands on the original design with a more youthful, relatable energy. Some images feature candid portraits, others silhouettes in everyday scenes, giving students a glimpse into real moments and decisions that reflect their own.

Teens & Youth

Want the real facts? Check out these resources to learn more about how substances like marijuana, vaping, and nicotine can affect your brain, body, and future. Get tips, guides, and info you can trust—no lectures, just the facts.

Resources for Teens & Youth

  1. Speech bubble icon on turquoise backgroundWA Teen Link

    Teen Link is a peer-to-peer support line. Call 988 If you are experiencing a mental health crisis. 

  1. Brain icon on peach backgroundYou Can

    'You Can' has the facts on marijuana and how it can impact teens and young people.

  1. Heart icon on brown backgroundChoose You

    'Choose You' has the facts about vaping and nicotine for teens and young people.

  1. 1 Sticky note with handwriting over the face of a teenager
  2. 2 Sticky note with handwriting over the face of a teenager
  3. 3 Sticky note with handwriting over the face of a teenager

Parents, Caregivers & Guardians 

Looking for trusted guidance? These resources provide information, tips, and strategies to help you talk with youth about substances like marijuana, vaping, and nicotine. Get practical tools to support and guide the teens in your life.

 Resources for Parents & Caregivers

  1. People icon on brown backgroundStart Talking Now

    'Start Talking Now' has information and tips for parents on how to talk with their kids about substance use

  1. Computer icon on peach backgroundParent Toolkit


  1. Gear icon on turquoise backgroundThe Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program Quarterly Newsletter

    Updated newsletters coming January 2026!

Schools & Community Organizations

Looking for youth-focused materials or a customized presentation? Complete the form below to request resources or a presentation on substance misuse or download printed materials from the Everyone Has A Why Campaign! 

Printable Materials

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