Knowing how to say no to alcohol and other drugs is an important skill that can help teens navigate peer pressure and make healthy decisions. Practicing refusal skills can help young people feel more confident and prepared when faced with situations involving substance use. The Addiction Policy Forum developed the How to Practice Refusal Skills infographic to provide parents, caregivers, and educators with practical strategies to help teens respond to offers of alcohol and

Addiction is a complex medical condition that affects how the brain functions. Understanding the science behind addiction can help reduce stigma, strengthen prevention efforts, and increase awareness of why addiction is not simply a matter of willpower. Alcohol and other drugs can affect important areas of the brain, including the limbic system, which helps regulate survival instincts and reward, and the cortex, which plays a role in decision-making and impulse control. Repe

Findings from JCOIN’s Coordination and Translation Center (CTC) The growing rates of substance use and overdose deaths have significantly...

Medications for opioid use disorder Medications used to treat opioid use disorders are considered the “gold standard” of treatment....

Addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. Addiction Policy Forum's infographic on addiction and the...

It is important to note that mixing 2 or more substances significantly increases the risk of dangerous or fatal effects. For example, a...

Language matters. Let’s replace terms like “addict” and “junkie” with smarter language that aligns with the science.