Youth Substance Use Prevention

Youth with substance use disorders experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction.  Find resources to help prevent youth substance use and increase protective factors.


Learn about local alcohol and drug use trends in Hanover HERE.

Hidden in Plain Sight is a free community initiative presented by the Hanover Cares Coalition.  It is suitable for parents, grandparents, other community members and any adult who works with or cares for and about young people.  A replica of a teenager’s bedroom will be on display for participants to browse and observe, becoming familiar with where and how teens might hide drugs or paraphernalia.  Seemingly innocent items commonly used by youth could actually indicate a substance abuse problem.

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"Talk.  They Hear You." Campaign

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SAMHSA’s national substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action. Learn more at Talk.  They Hear You.


During the ages of 10-19, the brain is changing rapidly. Because of this, it’s extremely important to protect your brain. In this video, we share four strategies teens can use to protect their brains and stay safe from substance use disorders.

DEA's Emoji Drug Code Encoded

This reference guide is intended to give parents, caregivers, educators, and other influencers a better sense of how emojis are being used in conjunction with illegal drugs. Fake prescription pills, commonly laced with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine, are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms – making them available to anyone with a smartphone.

 View the reference guide HERE.

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Parent Resources

  • Parenting Programs & Services offered by the BHW Team
    Find programs and services our team offers to parents and families.

  • Hanover Cares

    They are dedicated to eliminating the use of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs among Hanover County youth, through education and community collaboration.

  • Teens Care Too

    A group of high school leaders (or teens) that are not afraid to take a stand in favor of positive and healthy choices.  They are committed to keeping their peers substance free and helping them make healthy choices.

  • SAMHSA's "Talk.  They Hear You." Campaign

    This campaigns aims to reduce underage drinking and other substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address these issues with their children early and often

  • Partnership to End Addiction
    From tips on preventing substance use to guidance on managing recovery from addiction, they have the information and resources you need at every step of the way.

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving
    MADD’s Power of Parents® program empowers parents of middle school and high school students to have ongoing, intentional conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and other drug use.

  • High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth - CDC
    Although most youth are in good health, some youth are at an increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use. The majority of adults who meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder started using substances during their teen and young adult years.

  • Alcohol Guide for Parents: What Parents Need to Know to Help Protect Young People
    Partnership to End Addiction breaks down the risks of underage drinking, why it appeals to young people and what you can do to protect your child from its harms in this Alcohol Guide for Parents.

  • Virginia ABC’s Education and Prevention
    Their staff offer programs to prevent underage alcohol use and promote the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages for those of age who choose to consume.

  • Learn About Cannabis
    Science-based information for parents and caregivers.

  • Unfazed
    This is your source for accurate information about the risk of using marijuana as a teen.

  • Truth Initiative
    Inspiring lives free from smoking, vaping, and nicotine.

  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Laws in Virginia
    Learn the Virginia laws and legal penalties associated with underage alcohol, tobacco and marijuana possession and use; the health and safety risks of underage drinking and strategies for staying safe and sober.

  • Growing Up Drug Free (DEA)
    A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention

Substance-Specific Resources

Find Help & Support Groups

  • Hanover County's Same Day Access
    804-365-4222
    Individuals seeking help for mental health or substance use concerns, or who want to begin the process of accessing services related to a developmental disability, do not need an appointment.

  • Hanover County's Crisis Services
    804-365-4200
    For mental health or drug/alcohol crisis service. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in Hanover County.

  • Hanover Co. Public Schools Substance Use Intervention
    Their Intervention Counselors are dedicated to providing substance use prevention and intervention for all of our middle and high schools. This includes prevention education, risk assessment, individual and group counseling, referral information, training and professional development for staff, parent workshops, and school wide programming and activities.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline
    1-800-662-4357

    A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  • Al-Anon Family

    Family and friends of problem drinkers can find understanding and support through group meetings, podcasts, and other resources.

  • Al-Anon Teen Corner
    A place just for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism.

  • Alcohol Anonymous

    The AA website can help families find AA meetings near them as well as brochures directed at young people.

  • Narcotics Anonymous

    The NA website can help young people find NA meetings near them as well as resources including brochures for young addicts and parents.

  • Marijuana Anonymous
    A fellowship of people who share experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction.

  • Quit Now Virginia
    They provide free information and coaching by telephone or online to residents who want to quit smoking or using tobacco. The counseling is offered by trained Quit Coaches; in combination with nicotine replacement therapy or medication prescribed by healthcare providers.

  • Smart Recovery

    SMART Recovery is a self-empowering addiction recovery support group. It provides resources for families, teen support programs, meeting locations, and an online community.

  • FindTreatment.gov
    A confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental & substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.