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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Substance Use Disorder Prevention Programs for Youth and Families

Several federal agencies have compiled information about evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) prevention programs, including those in rural communities focused on youth and families. Prevention programs for youth and families are primarily implemented in schools but may also take place in homes or community settings.

Rural program planners should review program evaluation criteria and content to ensure a strong fit with their community's needs. This toolkit provides several examples, but it is not exhaustive and additional programs can be found in various registries and databases, including:

Many SUD prevention and early intervention programs focus on children and adolescents, as substance use early in life increases the likelihood of developing an SUD. Early intervention can help positively shape long-term outcomes and reduce the prevalence of SUD.

Examples of Evidence-Based and Promising SUD Prevention Programs for Rural Youth

  • Fast Track, a comprehensive, long-term prevention program is designed for children entering kindergarten, continuing through tenth grade. The program content evolves as children age and includes components such as a teacher-led classroom curriculum, parent training groups, home visits, and child tutoring. One study found that Fast Track reduces behaviors associated with SUD, including suicidal ideation, hazardous drinking, and opioid use. The Fast Track program was originally piloted in four communities including rural Pennsylvania.
  • The LifeSkills Training (LST) Program is a universal, classroom-based prevention program for middle school students. It features a three-year curriculum focused on drug resistance skills and general social skills, with a booster program for high school students. Curriculum materials have been shown to reduce alcohol and illicit drug use prevalence. The training has been implemented in three school districts in rural Adams County, Ohio.
  • All Stars is a school and community-based intervention for middle school students. Key components include promoting positive norms, planning for a future free of risky behaviors, and fostering positive interactions with parents and trusted adults. The program consists of 13 weekly, 45-minute sessions that can be delivered by teachers, prevention specialists, or community-based staff.
  • The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a classroom behavior management strategy designed for early-grade students to promote teamwork, self-regulation, and adherence to classroom rules. Students play games in teams, earning rewards for following rules while teachers monitor behavior, integrating into classroom routines. Research shows that the program reduces rates of substance use and mental health issues into adulthood. GBG is considered a cost-effective tool for early intervention.
  • Project Northland, a universal prevention intervention, is designed to delay the onset of alcohol use among students grades six through eight. The multilevel program employs age-specific strategies, including home-based activities, teacher-led curricula, and peer-led interventions. The intervention was initially implemented and evaluated with students in rural counties in Minnesota. Learn more about the benefit-to-cost ratio of the Project Northland program.

Examples of Evidence-Based SUD Prevention Programs for Rural Parents and Families

  • The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10–14 (SFP 10–14) is a universal, family-centered program consisting of seven two-hour sessions and optional booster sessions. Parents and youth attend the first hour separately, focusing on education about SUD risk factors, family conflict management, resisting peer pressure, and drug resistance skills. Curriculum materials support positive family dynamics and child development. The program has been adapted for and tested with both rural and urban populations.
  • Guiding Good Choices is a universal, parent-focused intervention consisting of five two-hour sessions. The program teaches parents to set clear expectations, monitor children's behavior, manage conflict positively, and enhance family bonding. Curriculum materials are available for purchase.
  • The Nurse-Family Partnership Program is an evidence-based prevention program in which specially trained nurses provide intensive, in-home visits to first-time mothers during pregnancy.

Considerations for Implementation

Implementing effective SUD prevention and early intervention programs in rural communities involves addressing several key factors. First, cost and resource allocation are significant considerations. Many programs, such as SFP 10-14 and Guiding Good Choices, require expenses such as the purchase of curriculum materials and training. Second, infrastructure and staffing can present challenges, as many rural areas have limited qualified personnel to deliver these programs. Collaboration with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations can help share resources and expertise. Some programs, like the Nurse-Family Partnership, require specialized personnel, such as nurses, which may necessitate further recruitment or training.

Next, alignment with community values is important and supports program success. Tailoring programs to reflect the community characteristics by engaging parents, educators, and youth leaders, can enhance program acceptance and effectiveness.

Finally, ease of access is important in reaching specific populations. Program strategies may include providing transportation or childcare support and utilizing virtual platforms, which can improve participation. Addressing these factors can help rural communities effectively implement evidence-based SUD prevention programs that promote healthier futures for youth and families.

Program Clearinghouse Examples

Resources to Learn More

Parents & Mentors Cannabis Toolkit
Document
Provides information and tips for discussing the risks of cannabis use with teens.
Organization(s): New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Date: 4/2024

Starting at Home – Family-based Interventions to Prevent Youth Substance Use
Website
Describes family-based interventions in preventing youth substance use for teaching skills like communication and monitoring.
Organization(s): Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Talk. They Hear You.
Website
Supports parents and caregivers in talking to children about the dangers of underage drinking and substance use. Offers a variety of resources including downloadable public service announcements and customizable posters and brochures.
Organization(s): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Touchpoints for Addressing Substance Use Issues in Home Visiting: Phase 1 Final Report
Document
Describes an evidence-based home visiting project supporting expectant parents and families with young children to prevent, identify, and address SUD.
Author(s): Hossain, M., Akers, L., Del Grosso, P., et al.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Mathematica
Date: 3/2020