Substance Use Prevention

Teen Substance Use Prevention

The use of drugs at an early age increases a person's risk of developing an addiction. A person's brain is still developing until about the age of 25, and developing brains are more likely to become damaged through substance use. This can include life-long effects on decision-making, memory, completing tasks and meeting goals. Preventing youth substance use through policy changes, education and evidence-based strategies can save people from a lifetime of addiction.

To review resources on youth substance use prevention, including marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and opioids, view the Prevention Leadership Team's website. The Prevention Leadership Team is a county-wide coalition with a goal to reduce substance use and increase mental health among DuPage County youth.

Opioid Use

To address the opioid crisis, the DuPage County Health Department coordinates the DuPage Narcan Program as well as the DuPage County Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Taskforce.

DuPage Narcan Program

The DuPage Narcan Program (DNP) has a single Mission Objective: Save Lives. The DNP increases the number of first responders and community members trained to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, and increases their access to Narcan (brand name naloxone). Since its inception in 2013, the DNP has recorded over 500 overdose reversals. The DNP is a collaborative effort among the:

  • Chiefs of Police
  • DuPage County Coroner
  • Health Department
  • Sheriff
  • State's Attorney

Learn more about the DNP, including information about upcoming training, data on overdose reversals in DuPage County and DNP annual reports.

HOPE Taskforce

The HOPE Taskforce is a joint operation of the DuPage County Board and the DuPage County Board of Health. The Taskforce consists of members from many sectors in the community, specializing in:

  • Adjudication
  • Education
  • Law enforcement
  • Mental health
  • Prevention
  • Substance abuse treatment

To learn more about the HOPE Taskforce and its framework, visit our webpage.

Quit Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco Use

Many resources exist to help someone quit any form of tobacco use, including smoking. Quitting tobacco can be hard, but these resources will help users face those challenges with advice, tips and techniques that have been tried and tested.

In-Person Support

For in-person support in quitting, visit Courage to Quit ® and find a Courage to Quit® class near you. Trained and certified Courage to Quit® leaders work collaboratively with individuals to build on past attempts, create confidence and develop their skills and readiness.

Online Support

For online support, visit BecomeAnEX. BecomeAnEX has helped more than 800,000 people on their quitting journey. Research has shown that following the BecomeAnEX quit plan quadruples a tobacco user's chance of quitting.

Text Program

Teens and young adults who need help quitting vaping or Juuling can use This is Quitting, a free text message-quit vaping program from the Truth Initiative. Text QUIT to706-222-QUIT to get started. This texting resource is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with cravings and stress via regularly scheduled messages and reminders designed to help a person quit.

Last Updated: 3/1/2023