Substance Use Primary Prevention Month takes place in August. The national observance promotes evidence-based efforts to prevent substance use before it begins. It also supports early action to stop initial use from progressing into a substance use disorder.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prevention works. Decades of research and community experience show that early support can improve lives. Therefore, Substance Use Primary Prevention Month encourages families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to become partners in prevention.

What Does Substance Use Primary Prevention Mean?

Substance use primary prevention addresses alcohol and drug use before addiction develops. It aims to prevent first-time use, reduce the progression of use, and prevent harmful consequences.

Effective prevention reduces risk factors while strengthening protective factors. Risk factors can include trauma, family conflict, social isolation, academic difficulties, and easy access to substances. In contrast, protective factors include supportive relationships, family communication, school engagement, positive peer networks, and access to behavioral healthcare.

Prevention also must address the whole person. Stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma can increase a young person’s vulnerability to substance use. Early support can help youth develop healthier ways to manage these challenges.

TTC Youth Prevention Programs Support Early Action

Tarzana Treatment Centers’ Youth Prevention Programs provide education, support groups, wellness classes, and community outreach across Los Angeles County. These services help youth, parents, and professionals recognize substance use and mental health concerns before they become crises.

TTC also works to empower young people. Accurate information and trusted support help youth make healthier decisions. As a result, prevention becomes more than a warning about drugs. It becomes a pathway toward connection, resilience, and hope.

Highlighting TTC’s youth prevention efforts, the website details, “TTC’s youth-oriented prevention programs reach deep into our communities with support from federal and state agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other local County funding partners. These community programs focus on prevention efforts both directly with youth as well as with adults in direct and daily contact with youth.”

Bringing Youth Services to LAUSD Campuses

TTC’s partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District reflects the goals of Substance Use Primary Prevention Month. Through an innovative on-campus substance use disorder treatment pilot program, TTC brings professional services directly to LAUSD students.

Services include evidence-based group counseling, individualized clinical support, care coordination, community linkages, and family support. This school-based model reduces barriers such as transportation problems, scheduling conflicts, and stigma.

Most importantly, students can receive help within a familiar environment. Educators, families, and behavioral health professionals can identify concerns earlier and respond together.

Substance Use Primary Prevention Month FAQs

When is Substance Use Primary Prevention Month?

Taking place in August, the timing connects prevention efforts with back-to-school activities, International Youth Day, National Night Out, and Overdose Awareness Week.

Why is substance use primary prevention important for youth?

Primary prevention gives young people information, support, and healthy coping skills before substance use becomes a serious problem. It also strengthens families, schools, and communities.

How does TTC support substance use prevention in Los Angeles?

TTC provides youth prevention education, community programs, family support, early intervention, and treatment. Its LAUSD partnership also brings accessible behavioral health services directly onto school campuses.