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

You can help make opioid prevention resources available to more families, schools, and communities! Sharing accurate, evidence-informed information about opioids and addiction is an important step toward raising awareness, reducing stigma, and preventing substance use among young people. The Addiction Policy Forum's Opioid Prevention Campaign Partner Toolkit is designed to make it easy for organizations, educators, prevention professionals, and community partners to share cam

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

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development, making young people particularly vulnerable to the effects of opioids. Understanding the risks of opioid misuse is an important step toward preventing addiction and protecting the health and well-being of teens. Opioid use can cause changes in areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, self-control, and the reward system. While teen opioid misuse has declined over time, it remains an important public health conc

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

Addiction is a medical condition that affects the brain and changes behavior. Understanding how addiction impacts the brain is an important step toward preventing substance use disorders, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Substance use can affect areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, motivation, and reward. Over time, repeated substance use can change how the brain functions, making it increasingly difficult for a person to

Opioids can pose serious risks to young people, making education and early prevention more important than ever. Providing teens with accurate, age-appropriate information about opioids and their potential dangers can help them make informed decisions and protect their health. The Addiction Policy Forum developed Teens and Opioids, a video explainer designed to raise awareness about opioids and the importance of preventing substance use among young people. Parents, educators,

Teachers play an important role in preventing youth substance use and addiction. Beyond educating students, teachers help shape supportive environments, build meaningful relationships, and equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy decisions. Schools are an important setting for prevention. By fostering connections, encouraging healthy coping skills, recognizing potential warning signs, and providing accurate information about substance use, ed

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

Help reduce stigma, increase understanding of addiction, and empower your community with the knowledge and skills to respond to substance use disorders. Become a Certified Responding to Addiction Instructor The Addiction Policy Forum (APF) is hosting a Responding to Addiction Virtual Instructor Training on Thursday, December 3, 2026! This training provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to become certified instructors and bring evidence-based addiction educa

In 2024, 48.4 million people in the U.S. ages 12 and older – about 1 in 6 people– met the criteria for a substance use disorder, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released by SAMHSA. The annual report provides nationally representative data on substance use (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, misuse of prescription drugs), substance use disorders, treatment receipt, recovery, and related behavioral health indicators. Of the 48.4

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has introduced three new telemedicine rules to maintain the accessibility of telehealth...

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Below is a list of trusted national helplines, treatment locators, and support groups that can provide help, guidance, and resources. Whether you’re seeking immediate assistance, exploring treatment options, or looking for community support, these services are here to connect you to the help you need. SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/natio

The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced updated guidelines that expand the incentive cap for...

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but for individuals in recovery from addiction, it can also bring unique stressors. Family...

Recovery is a journey best walked with support. For individuals living with substance use disorders, connecting with a supportive community in person can foster accountability, understanding, and a sense of belonging. In-person support groups offer the unique benefit of face-to-face interactions, creating a space for personal connection and shared growth. Why Choose In-Person Support Groups? While online groups are convenient, in-person meetings offer unique advantages, inclu

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Spring 2025 Anti-Stigma Institute. Your passion, presence, and...

Addiction Policy Forum’s What is Addiction? video explainer is now available in 13 languages to help improve language access to information on the science of substance use disorders. The video explains the biological components of addiction, such as the effects on the brain, as well as psychological and social components. These three domains – the biopsychosocial – recognize that there are many risk factors for developing a substance use disorder, such as genetic predisposit

In a large-scale effort to make fentanyl and counterfeit pill education resources available to communities, The Addiction Policy Forum...

As fentanyl continues to impact communities at an unprecedented rate, understanding its potency and dangers is critical to reducing harm. By raising awareness and promoting life-saving measures like naloxone, we can work toward preventing overdoses and saving lives. This video explainer highlights the alarming increase of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, overdose risks, the increase in counterfeit pills containing fentanyl nationwide, and the importance of naloxone access and