General Public & Parents
Find resources that you can download, share, or print to promote prevention best practices in your community.
Resources to Prevent Substance Use and Support Recovery
There are clear steps we can all take to reduce the impact of substance use and decrease the risks of overdoses. Access free resources in our updated digital toolkit.
Do Your Part to Prevent Opioid Misuse
Whether you are a parent, family member to a person in recovery, or a concerned resident of our state, you can take action to reduce the impact of substance use and decrease the risks of overdose.
- Keep your prescriptions secure
- Only take medication that's prescribed to you
- Help reduce stigma
- Support people who are in treatment and recovery
Access free resources that you can use to educate your community and raise awareness.
Get Updates from DrugFreeCT.org
Get updates on new toolkits, materials, events, and more.
The Risks of Substance Use Affect Everyone
Substance use is a serious public health issue. You can get involved to help keep your family and community safe.
- 9.5 Million People aged 12+ misused opioids in the past year
- 17 Million Adults aged 18+ had both mental illness and substance use disorders in the past year
- 40.3 Million People aged 12+ had substance use disorders in the past year
- 59.3 Million People aged 12+ used illicit drugs in the past year
Source
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
Where to Find Help
- 2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (800) 563-4086
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
Change the Script PSA
Watch and share this video to raise awareness for prevention best practices.
Evidence-Based Resources from Trusted Sources
In addition to the Change the Script toolkit materials, use these trusted sources to find more information on prevention and recovery.
- The Governor's Prevention Partnership Resources for Connecticut residents on a variety of topics around prevention.
- National Recovery Month An array of information and resources that help us all support people in recovery.
- NORA A free app from the CT Department of Public Health to prevent, treat, and report overdoses.
- Partnership to End Addiction Evidence-based guidance for parents on topics related to prevention.
- SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign Guidance on how to talk with young people about the dangers of substance use.