Substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion
Substance use disorder and many other behavioral health disorders can be prevented. Through effective prevention services, the Health Care Authority (HCA) works with communities, organizations, and families to prevent early use of alcohol and other drugs and to ensure our youth, families, and communities thrive.
Do you need immediate assistance?
- For a life-threatening emergency: Call 911.
- For 24-hour suicide prevention or a mental health crisis: Call or text 988.
- For substance use, problem gambling, or mental health support: Contact the Washington Recovery Help Line or the mental health crisis line in your area.
What type of services and resources are available?
Community coalitions
Community coalitions provide prevention services and strategies across the state. Through the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative, HCA supports 100 local coalitions working to prevent substance use disorder and promote health and wellness in their communities, through strategies selected to meet the needs of their communities. These include direct services, such as education and support programs for parents and caregivers and skill-building classes for youth, and programs that promote effective policies.
Find a coalition near you to get connected to your local efforts.
Parents and caregivers
We encourage parents and caregivers to talk to the youth in their lives about substances and mental health. Parents are the number one influence on a youth’s decision to use or not to use substances. It is best to begin conversations about risky behaviors early and follow up on these conversations often. There are resources available to help:
- Start Talking Now – resource for parents
- A Parent’s Guide to Raising Drug-Free Kids
- Una guía para padres para criar hijos libres de drogas
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Talk. They Hear You. campaign
Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP)
This program, operated by the nine (9) regional Educational Services Districts (ESDs) and funded by HCA, places student assistance professionals in schools to address problems associated with substance use and other at-risk behaviors.
Check with your children’s schools to see if this resource is available. Services include:
- Early alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention services to students and their families.
- Referrals to treatment providers.
- Strengthening the transition back to school for students who have had problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.
- Classroom-based prevention education.
Additional prevention resources
- Not A Moment Wasted – resource for college students focused on providing alternative activities to stay healthy in school
- Out of the Picture – underage prevention website for teens
- Starts with One – opioid prevention website
- Start Talking Now – resource for parents