Youth and Substance Use

Juvenile justice vs. community-based responses.

Helping caregivers recognize signs and have difficult conversations.

Innovative programs, mentorship, and culturally grounded models.

Supportive relationships, school engagement, and positive activities.

Peer pressure, trauma, family dynamics, and mental health.

Evidence-based approaches beyond “just say no.”

Influence of online culture, marketing, and peer norms.

Current patterns in alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and other drugs.

Barriers to age-appropriate treatment, counseling, and harm reduction.

Giving young people agency in shaping prevention and recovery programs.