Every year in May, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads National Prevention Week (NPW)—a nationwide campaign focused on increasing awareness about mental health and substance use prevention. It’s a time for communities, schools, families, and organizations to come together and highlight the power of early support before a crisis hits.

National Prevention Week takes place in May, and it’s all about starting conversations, offering support, and reminding people that small actions, like checking in with a friend or learning the warning signs—can make a huge difference.

And the need is real: nearly 1 in 3 young adults struggle with mental health or substance use issues. But the good news? Prevention works. The earlier someone gets support, the more likely they will avoid long-term struggles.

In this blog, we’ll break down what NPW is all about, why prevention matters (especially for young adults), and how you can be part of the movement. We’ll also share ways to recognize early warning signs, tips for supporting someone in need, and how you can find help with accessible mental health resources and substance use support. Whether you’re a parent, educator, friend, or just someone who cares, there’s something you can do—and it starts right here.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a U.S. government agency that focuses on improving the quality and availability of mental health and substance use services nationwide. Created in 1992, SAMHSA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It plays a big role in shaping national efforts to prevent and treat mental health and addiction issues.

SAMHSA supports programs, research, public education campaigns, and community-based initiatives designed to reduce stigma and help people access the care they need before things reach a crisis point. Their work covers a lot of ground, from grant funding to school-based prevention programs.

National Prevention Week is one of SAMHSA’s key awareness campaigns. It spotlights how early action, community support, and access to care can truly change lives. Prevention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. But to make prevention work, we need to understand who is most vulnerable, and right now, young people are facing more mental health and substance use challenges than ever before.

It’s no secret that young people today are facing some serious mental health challenges. When we talk about mental health struggles, we’re talking about a wide range of experiences: anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and more. Add to that the pressures of school, work, relationships, and the constant scroll of social media, and it’s easy to see why many young adults feel overwhelmed.

Teen brains are still “under construction”—the planning/impulse-control parts are catching up while the reward system is in high gear. That mix can make risky choices feel exciting in the moment, and studies show that early substance use can shape how those pathways develop.

Substance use—like alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drug misuse—can sometimes feel like a quick escape, but it often leads to even more problems down the road.

What makes this even more complicated is that mental health and substance use challenges are often interconnected. Someone struggling with anxiety might use substances to self-medicate. Someone dealing with depression might turn to alcohol to numb their feelings. It can become a cycle that’s hard to break—especially when people feel like they’re dealing with it alone.

So, why are young adults at such high risk? There’s a mix of reasons:

• Social media creates constant pressure to compare, perform, and stay “on” 24/7.
• Academic demands and fears about the future add stress.
• Peer influence can make it hard to say no or ask for help.
• Many young people lack strong support systems or feel that no one really understands what they’re going through.

When support is missing, it’s easy to fall into patterns of self-medicating to cope. That’s where prevention comes in. It’s not about waiting for a crisis; it’s about checking in early, having open conversations, and knowing where to turn for help.

How parents and caregivers can take action early

When it comes to substance use prevention and mental health, parents and caregivers are on the front lines. The earlier you start conversations and build trust, the more likely your child is to turn to you when they’re struggling.

Start by creating a safe space where your teen feels heard—not judged. That means listening more than lecturing, asking open-ended questions like “How have you been feeling lately?” and resisting the urge to fix everything right away. Sometimes, just showing up consistently and calmly is what matters most.

Watch for warning signs like sudden mood changes, withdrawal from activities, changes in sleep or eating habits, or shifts in school performance. These can be early indicators that something deeper is going on.

Model healthy coping skills yourself—things like setting boundaries, managing stress in healthy ways, and seeking support when needed. Kids are more likely to do what you do, not just what you say.

Once you start recognizing the signs and modeling healthy habits, the next step is knowing what substance use prevention really looks like in action.

When people hear “substance abuse prevention,” they often think it only applies after something goes wrong. But in reality, prevention starts way earlier—long before a crisis happens. It’s not just about reacting; it’s about building support systems, awareness, and healthy habits that can stop issues from developing in the first place.

Early prevention strategies are simple, everyday actions that can make a big difference. Things like:

• Checking in regularly with friends, teens, or loved ones—not just when something seems wrong, but as a regular part of your relationship.
• Speaking up if you notice changes in behavior, mood, or habits. A gentle “Hey, are you okay?” can open the door to an honest conversation.
• Reaching out for support from a therapist, counselor, or trusted adult when things start to feel overwhelming.

Substance abuse prevention is also about education—teaching people about the risks of misuse, how to manage stress in healthier ways, and how to recognize early warning signs.

These small steps can seem minor, but they create a foundation of trust and awareness that can stop problems from growing. Whether it’s anxiety, peer pressure, or experimenting with substances, early support can change the story.

However, even when resources and education are available, stigma can still hinder progress. Shame, judgment, or a fear of being labeled often prevents people, especially young people, from reaching out when they need help the most.

One of the biggest barriers to getting help for substance abuse and mental health struggles is stigma. Too often, people feel ashamed, judged, or afraid to speak up because of outdated beliefs about addiction or emotional health. This shame can delay care, push people into silence, and make recovery feel even more isolating.

That’s why National Prevention Week is so important. It helps normalize the conversation around mental health and substance use by encouraging open dialogue, education, and community support. When we discuss these issues honestly and compassionately, we break down stigma, making it easier for people to reach out before things escalate.

Early support saves lives, but only if people feel safe enough to ask for it. That’s the real power of prevention: creating a culture where seeking help is seen as strong, not shameful. Still, stigma often survives because of misinformation. That’s why it’s so important to challenge the most common myths about substance use—and replace them with facts, empathy, and understanding.

When it comes to substance abuse, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions that can get in the way of real understanding—and real support. 

Let’s clear up a few of the biggest ones:

Myth 1: “It’s just a phase.”

Many people believe that young adults or teens experimenting with drugs or alcohol will grow out of it. However, early use can lead to long-term patterns, and it’s often a sign of deeper issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Myth 2: “People have to hit rock bottom to get help.”

This dangerous idea delays early intervention. In reality, the earlier someone gets support, the better their chances of avoiding serious consequences. Prevention works best before a crisis.

Myth 3: “Talking about drugs encourages kids to use them.”

Actually, open, honest conversations about substance use lead to better choices. Education and communication are key tools in prevention, not triggers for experimentation.

By challenging these myths, we create space for meaningful prevention efforts and reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking help. The next step is knowing where to turn when support is needed. Whether you’re struggling yourself or trying to help someone else, accessible, compassionate therapy can make all the difference.

At the heart of National Prevention Week is a simple but powerful message: prevention saves lives. Early support for mental health and substance use concerns doesn’t just make a difference—it can completely change the outcome. You don’t have to wait for things to spiral out of control before reaching out. The sooner support begins, the better the chances for long-term wellness.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available —and it’s more accessible than ever.

Pacific Health Group is dedicated to making mental health and substance use care more accessible and less overwhelming. Our licensed therapists provide evidence-based support tailored to your unique needs.

We offer a variety of behavioral health services and mental health services, including: 

• Individual and family therapy
• Substance use counseling and recovery support
• Telehealth options so you can get help from the comfort of your home

You deserve support that fits your life. Whether you need someone to talk to, guidance through recovery, or a safe place to start healing, we’re here for you.

Call Pacific Health Group at 1-877-811-1217 or visit mypacifichealth.com to take the first step today.