Getting Started

Nearly 15 million American youth aged 12-20 drink alcohol, illegally and dangerously and 4 million use illicit drugs.

The economic impact of substance misuse is estimated to be $249 billion for alcohol misuse and $193 billion for illicit drug use.

Hold an activity to:

Educate your community about alcohol and other drug misuse, and
Learn how to mobilize to take action.

Quick Start Planning Guide

This Quick Start Planning Guide (PDF | 1.6MB) is intended to help you quickly and easily join SAMHSA, ICCPUD, and other national partners in preventing alcohol and other drug misuse by hosting a results-oriented activity in your community. The guide contains a planning calendar, a planning checklist, detailed steps to help you plan an activity and share your work, and frequently asked questions about Communities Talk.