October was first declared as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011
The month is a dedicated time to:
Highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health
To remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse
To acknowledge those in recovery, as well as children, parents, family, and friends supporting them
Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing addiction. Said another way, the earlier a person begins using a tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs the likelier that person is to develop an addiction.