Become a Certified enCompass Instructor and Help Families and Communities Navigate Addiction while increasing individuals' addiction knowledge and decreasing stigma surrounding addiction. Become a Certified enCompass and Responding to Addiction Instructor The Addiction Policy Forum is excited to announce an upcoming Virtual enCompass Instructor Training on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. The enCompass program is a comprehensive, evidence-informed trai

Prevention starts at home. Parents and caregivers play an important role in preventing substance use and supporting healthy development. In this video explainer, Addiction Policy Forum shares 12 practical, evidence-informed strategies parents can use to help protect their children, build resilience, encourage healthy coping skills, and reduce the risk of addiction. Explore simple, actionable steps you can incorporate into everyday family life to support your child’s health an

Join us for a virtual training designed as a resource for family members trying to navigate the complex world of addiction.

Findings from the Eating, Sleeping and Consoling for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal study show a new care approach that is more effective

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis, addiction or mental health-related...

Age matters. One of the best ways for teens to prevent addiction is to delay the onset of first use.

Teen developed and narrated video explainer on protecting the adolescent brain Narrated by Conner Nickel We often hear that addiction can...

Teen developed and narrated video explainer on protecting the adolescent brain Narrated by Conner Nickel Research shows that 90% of...

basic principles of health required by all: sleep, nutrition, exercise, sunshine, and positive content.

The Opioid Prevention Campaign is a public health media campaign to help prevent adolescent substance use.

Explore Resources Overview Just as we build protection against other medical conditions well before the symptoms are likely to appear, it is essential that we begin strengthening our kids’ protective factors against the disease of addiction before their teen years and well in advance of the situation when they are offered drugs or alcohol. This toolkit translates the science of prevention into simple strategies parents and caregivers can incorporate into busy daily lives -- t

Having a family member or loved one with a substance use disorder is difficult, and it’s not always clear how best to help them.

Because substance use disorder is a progressive disease, intervening in the early stages greatly improves outcomes.

Family members impacted by a loved one's addiction are not alone and shouldn’t be embarrassed to seek out help and support.

Healthcare providers often categorized conditions as either chronic or acute. So what’s the difference?

The progressive nature of this disease means that the earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment begins the better for the person.

Know that your support matters and try to be patient--even if a loved one doesn’t want to get help when you offer it.

I want to engage my son and talk about getting help but I’m afraid of the angry outbursts and the backlash.

Whether or not your loved one is willing to seek help, remember to take care of yourself.

It’s important to understand that it is difficult to help someone else if you don’t also take steps to care for yourself.