Substance misuse prevention aims to reduce harmful drug and alcohol use in individuals and communities. The goal is to prevent people, especially young people, from starting to misuse substances, delay the age at which they begin, and minimize the negative impacts for those who do engage in substance use.
We aim to create environments that encourage positive choices and good mental health. When we work together, we can build healthier communities.
Substance Misuse Prevention
Youth Spotlight Videos
Youth Spotlight: Noah
This video is part of an intergenerational, interagency and community collaboration featuring Youth Peer Leaders and staff from MHA-CG Youth Clubhouses, Tobacco Free Action, Columbia-Greene Addiction Coalition and local film production.
Youth Spotlight: Roman
This video is part of an intergenerational, interagency and community collaboration featuring Youth Peer Leaders and staff from MHA-CG Youth Clubhouses, Tobacco Free Action, Columbia-Greene Addiction Coalition and local film production.
Local Prevention Support
Twin County Recovery Services provides evidence-based programming, and Intervention Counselors in Columbia and Greene Counties that lay the groundwork for safe and drug-free living through age appropriate information and interactive activities.
Youth Clubhouses of Hudson & Catskill supports prevention efforts by providing educational outreach to youth in school settings, community settings and at their drop in locations in Hudson and Catskill. Harm Reduction, information and Peer Support allow for an increase in protective factors for youth of all ages.
Mountaintop Cares Coalition offers prevention education for communities, youth, families and anyone else residing in Greene County, with a special focus on the mountaintop!
Columbia County Pathways to Recovery offers prevention education for communities, youth, families and anyone needing support in Columbia County!
In addition to the above programs, there are many Youth Serving Organizations that increase PROTECTIVE factors and decrease RISK factors for young people. These organizations greatly support prevention strategies by offering pro-social activities, connection to caring adults and so much more!
Risk Factors
- Family history of substance use disorder
- Exposure to trauma
- Mental Health concerns
- Behavioral or impulse control problems
- Early initiation of substance use
- Environmental factors
- Availability of alcohol and drugs
- Academic failure
- Lack of connection to school
- Perceived risk of substance use
- Friends who use substances
Protective Factors
- Family attachment and bonding
- Parental engagement in child’s life
- Connection to school
- Participation in prosocial activities with family, school and community
- Educational success
- Development of positive coping skills
- Resilience
- Positive modeling by parents/caregivers
- Mental Health and emotional needs met
- Relationships with trusting adults
Columbia-Greene Addiction Coalition is dedicated to working collaboratively with all community agencies to collect data on risk and protective factors, implement strategies, increase awareness and education to address youth substance misuse.
For educational and informational sessions contact info@c-gac.org
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