Growing behavioral-health needs and risks associated with youth substance use underscore the need for evidence-based prevention strategies. Policymakers are increasingly exploring approaches that identify risks early, strengthen protective factors, and elevate prevention messaging. Implementing such approaches can reduce early initiation of substance use; lower risks of overdose; improve academic, mental and behavioral health outcomes; and support healthier long-term trajectories into adulthood. This resource highlights key opportunities and policy examples intended to support efforts to safeguard youth wellbeing.

Opportunities and Outcomes of Interest

• Identify risks early
  • Implement brief, validated screening tools to identify emerging risks and connect youth to timely support.
• Reduce initiation of substance use
  • Use school-based, evidence-based prevention curricula or instructional approaches that build knowledge, skills, and resilience.
• Enhance safety and reduce access
  • Disrupt online and in-person access to substances through community-based prevention programs, monitoring, reporting mechanisms, and partnerships with law enforcement.
• Improve prevention continuity
  • Link screening, school programming, family engagement, and community supports to reinforce consistent prevention messaging across settings.
• Strengthen protective factors
  • Promote positive peer relationships, trusted adult mentorship, and other social supports that reduce risk and promote long-term health.
• Build a skilled prevention workforce
  • Invest in training, professional development, and clear career pathways so educators, health providers, and community leaders can effectively deliver and sustain evidence-based strategies.
• Enhance prevention through program evaluation
  • Routinely assess prevention program implementation and effectiveness on short- and long-term outcomes to facilitate continuous improvement and de-implementation of ineffective programs.

Recent Policy Approaches

• Over the past five years, state policymakers have introduced thousands of bills related to youth substance use prevention.
  • States are increasingly mandating evidence-based prevention curricula in schools.
  • Some states are recognizing prevention days or months to raise awareness and elevate public understanding of youth substance use risks and prevention strategies.
  • Legislation often includes investments in prevention programs and coalitions.
• Recent State Policy Examples
  • Iowa H.F. 2206 (introduced 2026)
    • Establishes an excise tax on retail marijuana sales and dedicates revenue to a mental health and substance use disorder prevention fund, among other regulatory changes.
  • Oregon H.B. 3321 (enacted 2025)
    • Directs the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to develop a statewide primary prevention strategy focused on preventing youth substance use.
  • Delaware H.C.R. 71(enacted 2025)
    • Designates a youth prevention day to raise awareness of the urgent need to address youth substance use and mental health issues.
  • Ohio S.B. 7 (introduced 2025)
    • Requires student instruction on the harmful effects of substance use and directs state agencies to highlight evidence-based resources and curricula.
  • New York K. 218 (enacted 2025)
    • Designates a month to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and electronic cigarette use, particularly among youth.
  • Alabama H.B. 280 (enacted 2024)
    • Requires research-based fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness instruction for students in grades 6-12.
  • Florida S.B. 66 (enacted 2024)
    • Creates “Revive Awareness Day” to increase public understanding of overdose dangers and the life-saving potential of opioid antagonists.
  • Utah H.B. 16 (enacted 2023)
    • Provides block grant funding to local education agencies for comprehensive prevention programs.
  • Colorado SB22-037 (enacted 2022)
    • Expands community-based substance use prevention and intervention services for youth, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.

Additional Resources

• Research Translation Platform Fact Sheets (includes additional policy considerations and examples)
  • Developing a Workforce to Support Prevention Efforts & Strengthen Communities
  • Risk Screening & Referral Mechanism to Prevent Substance Use Disorders in Youth
  • Social Media & Fentanyl Sales
  • School-Based SUD Prevention Strategies & Programs
• Prevention Learning Portal – a free resource that equips community members with practical training in evidence-based prevention methods and builds understanding of how early identification of youth, family, and school risk factors can help stop addiction before it starts.

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^[1] This document provides examples for educational purposes and does not endorse any specific policy. It also includes summaries and information derived from an AI policy analysis tool.