Substance Misuse Prevention

It is vital to reduce the impact of substance misuse and enhance the behavioral health of all individuals, families, and communities. To do so, EDC uses proven, comprehensive approaches that respond to the complex causes of behavioral health issues including systemic racism, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and stress.

For decades, we have led initiatives that prepare the behavioral health workforce to provide innovative and effective substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services anchored in culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. Our award-winning consultation services, trainings, and tools are propelling improvements in the quality and equity of programs, practice, and policies across the U.S. and worldwide.

In partnership with practitioners, community leaders, and people with lived experience, we address urgent and emergent behavioral health challenges across the lifespan. Today, these include challenges—such as problem gambling and digital wellness—that can co-occur with substance misuse and mental health issues. All of our work draws on our staff’s expertise in cultural responsiveness, the use of data to drive change, continuous improvement, and prevention and implementation science.

Related Content

Substance Misuse and Equity: Are We Asking the Right Questions?
Effective prevention starts with asking questions. But which questions we ask, and how we ask them, often reflect biases that we don’t know we have…

EDC Talks: Vendors Can Prevent Marijuana Use 
Marijuana is being legalized in states across the country. How can we stop young people from misusing it? Gisela Rots explains.

Behavioral Health: 4 Ways to Build Programs That Work
Proactive health and wellness programs lay the foundation for healthy, stronger communities. Four EDC experts weigh in.

Preventing Problem Gambling in Massachusetts
Who is most at risk for problem gambling, and how can communities and casinos work together on prevention? Rebecca Bishop shares insights.

EDC Tapped to Help Combat Substance Misuse in Indianapolis Schools
Taking a comprehensive approach early in school has the potential to prevent substance use in later grades and beyond, says Chuck Klevgaard.

Want to Improve Public Health? Address Systemic Racism
Policy changes are key to addressing racial disparities in public health, including substance misuse. Learn more in this roundtable discussion.

Why Should We Engage Faith Leaders in Prevention?
Faith-based organizations have a powerful role to play in substance misuse prevention, says Ben Spooner.

Empowering Kentucky’s Substance Misuse Prevention Workforce
How can we help communities understand the pillars of effective prevention? Explore stories about the work of Prevention Solutions@EDC.  

EDC Talks: How to Address Problem Gambling?
For some people, gambling can create a dependence that affects their health, wellness, and relationships, says Rebecca Bishop.