SUPPORT | SUBSTANCE MISUSE PREVENTION
Substance Misuse Prevention
Afterschool programs play a vital role in substance misuse prevention - fostering safe, supportive environments that empower youth with knowledge and healthy choices. Explore our Healthy Lifestyle Training that educates middle school youth on navigating challenges related to marijuana use.
The Link Between Substance Misuse Prevention and Out-of-School Time
With a focus on mentorship, academic support, and personal development, afterschool, summer, and before school programs are not just a safe space for children and youth to go when family members are working, but are also a space where they can develop healthy relationships, increase self-confidence, and learn to make informed choices. These programs provide access to positive role models and resources. Studies show that students involved in afterschool programs are less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, as they are engaged in constructive activities, which reduces the likelihood of turning to substance use.
Alaska’s out-of-school time programs are a key preventative measure in substance misuse. The Alaska Afterschool Network aims to bolster those preventative measures by giving afterschool providers access to the Healthy Lifestyle training and additional professional development focused on substance misuse prevention.
Hear from a youth about why afterschool is so important!
Healthy Lifestyles
Healthy Lifestyles is a 10-lesson curriculum for middle school age youth with the goal of helping youth make healthy decisions consistent with their individual values when faced with challenges related to marijuana use. Trusted adult facilitators lead youth through a series of engaging activities and interactive materials that provide balanced information and encourage youth to consider for themselves what marijuana is and how it can impact their life. The content is based on prevention research, input from youth-serving providers, and from youth themselves.
