Preventing Substance Use Disorder and Tobacco-Related Illness

The use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs can have significant impacts on health. Teenagers who consume alcohol – and adults who consume excessive amounts of alcohol – are at risk for injuries and alcohol poisoning while they are under the influence and for developing alcohol-related chronic disease later in life. Any level of tobacco use can impact respiratory and cardiovascular health and endanger the health of others through second-hand smoke. And the use of other drugs – from marijuana to unnecessary prescription pain medication – can increase the risk of harm from injury, accident or sexual assault.

Reducing the use of substances is a community effort involving the health department, police, schools, community agencies and, most importantly, residents. Through the links on this page you can learn how community coalitions are working together to create a healthy and safe environment where kids and adults can live, work and play substance-free.