It is a myth that all teens “experiment” with substance use.
Did you know that 64% of high school seniors haven’t used any substances in the past month, and over 36% have never used them in their lifetime?
More than ever, young people are making the One Choice to stay substance-free.
Discover how you can support teens in making the One Choice to stay substance-free.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
ONE CHOICE TOOLKIT
This free online resource offers guidance to help you incorporate the One Choice message and supporting data into new and existing prevention initiatives.
THE ONE CHOICE 5
This free online resource synthesizes the vast amount of information into 5 prevention basics that all parents/caregivers and caring adults need to understand to prevent youth substance use. This tool includes information, strategies, and access to resources.
The Institute for Behavior and Health is reframing the goal of substance use prevention as One Choice: no use of any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs by youth under age 21 for reasons of health.
THE ONE CHOICE MESSAGE IS BASED ON 3 KEY FACTS:
More than ever, young people are making One Choice.
A growing percentage of teens are not using any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs.
For teens, all substance use is related.
Using any one substance (alcohol, nicotine, marijuana) significantly increases the likelihood of using the other two and other drugs.
The developing brain is uniquely vulnerable to substance use.
The brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-20s.
Image adapted from Gogtay, N., et al., 2004
REDUCING ADULT ADDICTION MUST BEGIN WITH YOUTH PREVENTION
The United States is confronting a public health crisis of substance use disorders and overdose deaths while at the same time facing a growing commercialized for-profit marijuana industry and vaping as a new nicotine and marijuana delivery system. Now more than ever, we must — as individuals and as a nation — renew our efforts to improve prevention with a specific focus on youth.
Most addiction is rooted in the teenage years: 9 in 10 or 90% of all adults with substance use disorders began using one or more drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana before the age of 18. A key reason for this is the unique vulnerability of the still-developing teen brain to substance use. The earlier substance use is initiated, the more likely an individual is to develop a substance use disorder. And if teens use one substance, they are far more likely to use others as well.
Promoting and encouraging the One Choice Message of preventing and delaying all adolescent substance use - can have a direct impact over time on the number of adults who develop a substance use disorder.
THE ONE CHOICE MERCH STORE IS OPEN!
Support the Institute for Behavior and Health and its One Choice Prevention initiative today with One Choice swag, available in an array of styles and colors:
PODCASTS FEATURING ONE CHOICE
PATHWAYS 2 PREVENTION PODCAST: YOUTH DRUG USE IS NOT INEVITABLE
Hear from IBH President Robert L. DuPont, MD and Vice President Caroline DuPont, MD: Teens and the adults that care about them need to know that the One Choice of no use of any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana or other drugs is a realistic goal and that many teens are already making that choice.
MID-AMERICA PTTC PODCAST: “THE IMPORTANCE OF PROLONGING THE FIRST DRINK" — A CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE DUPONT, MD
IBH Vice President Caroline DuPont, MD talks with Steve Miller about her clinical experiences treating patients with substance use disorder and the importance of youth substance use prevention.
SAMHSA’S TALK. THEY HEAR YOU. CAMPAIGN PODCAST, “WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING — PREVENTION WISDOM, AUTHENTICITY, AND EMPOWERMENT”
In this “back to school” episode, IBH team members encourage parents to start talking with their kids early and often about substance use and actively support youth to make One Choice for their health.
“PREVENTION LEADERS” PODCAST WITH DAVE CLOSSON
With Caroline DuPont, MD, Vice President of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. and Nancy Pasquale, Co-founder and Coalition Coordinator of Rye Action for Children and Teens (RyeACT).
Support our growth
One Choice is an initiative of the Institute for Behavior and Health. Consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support our efforts to prevent teen substance use and reduce the prevalence of addiction.