Substance Use: Prevention and Healthy Living
Substance use prevention activities focus on helping people of all ages avoid drug use by:
- Supporting healthy social and emotional development.
- Supporting parents and strengthening families.
- Preventing and addressing individual and community trauma.
- Improving the safety, stability, and livability of communities.
See our pages on alcohol, methamphetamine, nicotine/tobacco, and opioids for more information on the drugs of concern in Wisconsin.
Answers to frequent questions about substance use
Understanding substance use is critical in knowing how to prevent it.
People report using drugs for a wide variety of reasons. Some people use drugs to feel pleasurable, stimulating, or relaxing effects. Others who experience anxiety, stress, depression, or pain may use drugs to try to feel better. Some people use drugs to try to improve their focus in school or at work or their abilities in sports. Many people—especially young people—use drugs out of curiosity and because of social pressure. The age at which people start using drugs—and whether they continue—depends on many different individual and societal factors across a person’s life.
While many people try drugs at some point in their lives and even continue to use them, only some people develop substance use disorders. No single factor determines whether a person will develop a substance use disorder. These chronic but treatable health conditions are the result of many factors across a person’s life.
Examples of factors that may influence substance use and substance use disorders include:
Individual factors
Age at substance use initiation: Drug use at a young age can influence brain development and behavior in ways that increase the likelihood of going on to use other drugs and developing a substance use disorder. Consequently, people who start to use substances as children and young adolescents are more likely to develop a substance use disorder than are those who first use substances in late adolescence or young adulthood. For this reason, most prevention programs focus on preventing or delaying substance use in youth.
Genetics: Inherited biological factors can play a significant role in a person’s likelihood of using substances and of developing a substance use disorder.
Mental health issues: People with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and many other psychiatric conditions are also more likely to use substances and to develop substance use disorders.
Biological sex: Factors related to biological sex—such as different brain structure and function, tissue composition, endocrine, and metabolic functions in males and females—can influence how a person responds to drugs. For example, women use drugs less frequently and in smaller amounts than men, but they can experience the effects more strongly, and substance use in women tends to develop into a substance use disorder more quickly than in men.
Personality: Individual characteristics such as risk-taking, sensation-seeking, aggression, or heightened responses to chronic stress can influence the likelihood of using substances and developing a substance use disorder.
Specific types and patterns of drug use: Use of certain drugs such as opioids, nicotine, and methamphetamine is associated with a higher likelihood of developing a substance use disorder than is use of other drugs like psychedelics. Similarly, injection drug use is more strongly associated with developing a substance use disorder, as more drug is delivered more rapidly to the brain than via other routes of administration.
Family factors
Family relationships: Research shows that growing up in a supportive, stable family environment versus one associated with adverse childhood experiences like trauma, abuse, and neglect can impact a person’s likelihood of problem drug use and of developing substance use disorders later in life. A higher level of parental involvement and young people’s perceptions that parents are aware of their activities have also been found to be protective.
Parental substance use and attitudes: Whether parents use drugs or alcohol and their level of permissiveness or acceptance of substance use influence whether a child or adolescent is likely to use substances.
Community factors
School: Studies show certain aspects of a school environment—such as how often other students use drugs and how connected students feel to their classmates—can influence whether students use or avoid substances.
Peers: Whether an individual’s peers use drugs or disapprove of substance use is a major influence on whether that individual will use substances, particularly during youth.
Neighborhood: Research shows that living in a neighborhood with high levels of poverty or violence is associated with a higher likelihood of using substances. Positive community relationships and environments have been associated with less substance use and less progression from substance use to substance use disorders.
Structural factors
Social: Stigma and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, or other factors can cause chronic stress that makes someone more vulnerable to substance use and to developing substance use disorders.
Economic: Growing up in a household or neighborhood with lower resources can affect children’s brain development in ways that may make them more vulnerable to future substance use disorders. Housing insecurity and limited access to education and employment are also associated with substance use disorders.
Laws and culture: Access to substances, as well as the laws, policies, culture, norms, and attitudes surrounding their use in a society, can influence whether an individual uses substances and experiences related health problems including substance use disorders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call or text 988 or chat
For referrals to treatment programs, call 211 or 833-944- 4673 for the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline or visit
You can also explore treatment programs using the Shatterproof Treatment
You can use the Focus on Prevention
Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference
We organize a two-day event every other year with workshops on how to prevent people from starting to use alcohol and other drugs. All people interested in building healthy communities are invited to attend. The 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference is scheduled for September 10-11 in the Wisconsin Dells and online. Learn more about this event.
Substance use prevention campaigns
Take a closer look at our substance use prevention campaigns.
Prevent all substance use
Real Talks Wisconsin aims to build communities of trust and support by giving people the information and confidence to have conversations about substance use.
Prevent underage drinking
Small Talks provides information and support to parents, guardians, and other caring adults who engage with children, teens, and young adults on the dangers of alcohol use before age 21.
Prevent opioid harm
Dose of Reality encourages people to have conversations with family, friends, coworkers, and others about opioids and the harm they can do, as well as the tools that can save lives, like naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and medications for opioid use disorder.
Facebook posts
The Facebook posts below can be used to align your substance use prevention efforts with our work and important health observances.
For more Facebook posts, go to the partner resources sections of Real Talks Wisconsin, Small Talks, and Dose of Reality.
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | January 1 | A new year equals new opportunities for a healthier life! These #SubstanceUseRecovery tips can help: Set small, doable goals. Try a new hobby. Lean on others for support. Finally, don’t forget the basics: eat well, sleep well, and exercise. You got this! Visit #RealTalksWI at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm to get help. | Real Talks January post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | January 16 | If you or someone you care about is living with opioid use disorder, consider reaching out to them with help. It might be one of the most meaningful #NewYearsResolutions you ever make. Visit #DoseofRealityWI at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm to learn more about the treatment and recovery options near you. | Dose of Reality January post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | February 1 | Dark winter months can cause depression, poor sleep, and more. Here's a #RealTalksWI: Leaning on alcohol and other drugs to deal with #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder can make things worse. Try connecting with friends, heading outside, and getting more vitamin D. Go to https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm for more. | Real Talks February post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | February 14 | There are lots of beautiful ways to show your love this #ValentinesDay. Like caring for all the people around you by carrying #naloxone. Want to be ready to save a life? Make the first move. Head to #DoseofRealityWI to find out where you can get naloxone today: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safer-use.htm#naloxone | Dose of Reality February post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose of Reality | March 17 | Gather up all the unused and expired meds around your house in honor of #NationalPoisonPreventionWeek. Take them to a collection site in your community for safe disposal: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm #DoseofRealityWI #DrugTakeBackWI | Dose of Reality March post - Facebook |
| Real Talks Wisconsin | March 19 | Ever wondered why people use drugs? This #DrugsAndAlcoholFactsWeek, visit #RealTalksWI to learn about substance use and how to prevent it: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks Wisconsin March post - Facebook |
| Small Talks | March 23 | Give your child the tools to deal with #SpringBreak parties, peer pressure, and more by having #SmallTalksWI about alcohol. Get talk tips and more right now: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm | Small Talks March post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Talks | April 14 | Help the kids in your life make safe choices this #PromSeason. Have #SmallTalksWI about the dangers of underage drinking: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm | Small Talks April post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | April 25 (One day before the 2025 spring Drug Take Back Day) | Drug Take Back Day is almost here! Tomorrow is your chance to protect your family, your community, and our environment by disposing of the unused and expired medications in your home at an event near you: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm #DoseofRealityWI #DrugTakeBackWI | Dose of Reality April post - Facebook 1 |
| Dose of Reality | April 29 | This #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay, spread the word to save a life. Go to #DoseofRealityWI for the facts on fentanyl: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/facts.htm#fentanyl #JustSayKnow | Dose of Reality April post - Facebook 2 |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Talks | May 15 | Your high school graduate is growing independent, so help them find good reasons to wait drinking alcohol. Have #SmallTalksWI about the risks, their future, and making safe choices: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm #GraduationSeason | Small Talks May post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | June 12 | You don’t need to have all the answers. Supporting someone can mean connecting them with others who can help. Be ready when they reach out. Get to know the #SubstanceUsePrevention resources around you in honor of #CommunityHealthImprovementWeek. Visit #RealTalksWI: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks June post - Facebook |
| Small Talks | June 16 | Ahhhh, #SummerBreak. Extra time with your kids—and extra opportunities to be positive #RoleModels! How? By having alcohol-free family fun! Along with having #SmallTalksWI about underage drinking: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm | Small Talks June post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose of Reality | July 3 | Snack? Check. Sparklers? Check. #Naloxone? Check! As you head out to celebrate the Fourth of July, remember to take the opioid overdose medication with you. Visit #DoseOfRealityWI to find naloxone near you: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safer-use.htm#naloxone | Dose of Reality July post - Facebook |
| Small Talks | July 14 | Summer zooms by fast! Take a moment—at the beach, in your backyard, or by a campfire—to slow down and talk with the kids in your life about the dangers of underage drinking. #SmallTalksWI can help you get started: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm | Small Talks July post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Talks | August 4 | Help kids gear up for a great year with a #BacktoSchool chat about underage drinking. Visit #SmallTalksWI for talk tips and more: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm | Small Talks August post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | August 21 | Today is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. People who take pills not prescribed to them and/or illegal drugs can reduce the risk of overdose by using fentanyl test strips. Get the facts on fentanyl: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/facts.htm#fentanyl #DoseofRealityWI #fentanyl #opioids | Dose of Reality August post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | September 2 | Every substance use recovery journey is unique. Celebrate what works, whether you or someone you care about finds strength through therapy, the support of peers, medications, or other options. Visit #RealTalksWI this #RecoveryMonth and keep going: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks September post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | September 25 | Anyone can be a hero on #NationalSaveALifeDay. It only takes a few minutes! Learn how #naloxone safely reverses an #opioid overdose. Then keep it nearby—in a pocket, at work, wherever you go. You don’t need a prescription. #DoseOfRealityWI can help you find naloxone near you: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safer-use.htm#naloxone | Dose of Reality September post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | October 8 | Substance use impacts families and neighbors, whole communities, and our entire state. We must work together to prevent substance use. It starts with #RealTalksWI, but there’s even more you can do during #SubstanceUsePreventionMonth—and beyond: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks October post - Facebook |
| Small Talks | October 23 | Talking to your kids about underage drinking doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t need to know exactly what to say—the real trick is listening! #SmallTalksWI can show you how to tackle #UnderageDrinkingPrevention this #Halloween. Get talk tips from people who have been there: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/talker-tips.htm | Small Talks October post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | TBA - One day before Drug Take Back Day | Get ready! Drug Take Back Day is right around the corner. It’ll be easier than ever to safely dispose of the unused and expired medications in your home, thanks to lots of convenient drop-off events and locations. Visit #DoseofRealityWI to find a site near you: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm #DrugTakeBackWI | Dose of Reality October post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | November 11 | Many veterans are living with a substance use disorder. Be there for them. Show your support this #VeteransDay by having more open conversations about substance use. It makes a difference. #RealTalksWI can help you learn how: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks November post - Facebook |
| Small Talks | Around Thanksgiving | #UnderageDrinkingPrevention starts at home. As your family and friends gather this holiday season, take the opportunity to lead by example. Hosting an alcohol-free #Thanksgiving shows kids that celebrations can be fun without drinking. #SmallTalksWI has even more ideas for role models: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/role-models.htm | Small Talks November post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Instructions
- Use the post on or around the date listed in the Post date column.
- Download the image in the Image for the Post column to your device.
- Upload the image to your Facebook account.
- Use the copy in the Text for the Facebook post column to complete the post.
| Campaign | Post date | Text for the Facebook post | Image for the post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Talks Wisconsin | December 16 | During the #SeasonofGiving, remember that you can always give someone dealing with a substance use disorder the gift of your support. Just knowing that you care can give them the courage to reach out for help when they’re ready. #RealTalksWI has resources that can help: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm | Real Talks December post - Facebook |
| Dose of Reality | December 29 | Celebrate #NewYears by looking out for each other. Learn how to prevent opioid harm by having real talks: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm #DoseofRealityWI | Dose of Reality December post - Facebook |
Want to adapt this Facebook content for Instagram? Contact
Follow us on