October is designated as National Substance Misuse Prevention Month and National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The observance is a time to acknowledge the journey of those in recovery, honor the healing and support provided by their friends, family and community, and appreciate the hard work of behavioral health professionals who strive daily to prevent and treat substance use.

This month provides an opportunity to review and share a wealth of data and resources to inform modern prevention and treatment practices.

Past and Present Substance Misuse Trends

Then-President Barack Obama issued a proclamation designating October as National Substance Use Prevention Month in 2011. In a 2023 proclamation, President Joe Biden noted that his administration budgeted $3.5 billion for youth

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