National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, observed each October, recognizes the importance of early intervention, education and community support in reducing substance abuse and its effects. Prevention efforts focus on creating conditions that help people stay healthy and supported throughout their lives. This approach can include building healthy relationships, supporting mental well-being and creating environments where people can thrive.
By learning about the challenges facing our communities and the resources available, each of us can play a role in prevention and recovery.
Why Prevention Matters
Substance abuse continue to affect communities across Wisconsin. According to the 2025 Wisconsin Mental Health and Substance Abuse Needs Assessment Report, Wisconsin’s rates of substance use disorders are slightly higher than the national average, and alcohol use remains significantly higher than the national average (Wisconsin Department of Health Services). The report also found that opioid-related deaths increased between 2020 and 2023 across all age groups and ethnicities in Wisconsin.
Prevention efforts can help reduce these risks by promoting healthy coping skills, strengthening support systems and encouraging early intervention. By creating opportunities for education, connection and open conversations, communities can help people make informed choices and seek support when needed.
Breaking the Stigma Through Education
One of the biggest barriers to preventing and treating substance use disorders is stigma. Misconceptions and judgments can make it harder for people to seek help, talk openly about their struggles or access the care they need. Substance use disorders are medical conditions, not personal failures, and anyone can be affected regardless of age, background or life circumstances.
Education plays a critical role in reducing stigma and supporting prevention. By learning about the factors that contribute to substance use, recognizing warning signs and understanding available treatment options, people can make more informed decisions and better support those who may be struggling.
Explore these resources to learn more about substance use prevention:
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Substance Use Prevention and Healthy Living
Information on risk factors, prevention strategies and resources for individuals, families and communities.
- Real Talks Wisconsin
Provides practical tips, facts and conversation starters to help adults talk openly and confidently about substance use. Designed to reduce stigma, increase understanding and encourage supportive discussions.
- 211 Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline
24/7 free, confidential support and referrals to treatment and recovery services throughout Wisconsin.
Support Through GHC-SCW Pathways to Recovery
For individuals experiencing substance use challenges, recovery is possible with the right support. GHC-SCW’s Pathways to Recovery outpatient clinic provides personalized, whole-person care for adults affected by alcohol, opioid and other substance use disorders. Services include assessments, individual and group counseling, harm reduction services and coordination with primary care, behavioral health and community resources.
Using a low-barrier, harm reduction approach, the Pathways team meets people where they are and works with them to develop a plan that reflects their individual needs and recovery goals. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It is an evidence-based approach that helps reduce the health, social and safety risks associated with substance use while supporting improved well-being and connection to care.
In addition to the Pathways program, GHC-SCW Primary Care Providers (PCPs) can help address substance use concerns through compassionate and personalized care. Whether someone is actively using substances, considering a change or in recovery, PCPs can provide support and ongoing care, discuss treatment options and connect patients with resources.
Reminders and Additional Resources
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month serves as a reminder that prevention, treatment and recovery are community efforts. Whether through education, supportive conversations or access to care, everyone can play a role in reducing stigma and supporting healthier futures. Recovery is not a journey anyone has to take alone, and help is available every step of the way.
- Learn more about GHC Pathways to Recovery: GHC-SCW Pathways to Recovery
- Explore prevention resources from Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Substance Use Prevention and Healthy Living
- Wisconsin residents can contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 211 or (833) 944-4673 for treatment and recovery resources.
- Read more in the 2025 Wisconsin DHS Mental Health and Substance Use Needs Assessment: Wisconsin Mental Health and Substance Abuse Needs Assessment Report
