Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention — Keeping Youth and Families Ahead of the Crisis

The Power of U places trained Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists and licensed clinicians directly in schools, youth groups, churches, local Department of Social Services offices, and community organizations across Eastern North Carolina. The goal: catch risk early, before it becomes a crisis.

What This Program Does

• Provides substance use prevention and early intervention services for high-risk adolescents, delivered on-site in schools
• Uses evidence-based practices, including Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST), Active Parenting, and Project Success, to prevent or treat substance use
• Connects schools to the community’s broader continuum of care — referring students and families to substance abuse treatment agencies and other human services organizations when needed
• Offers parenting training alongside prevention work, since family stability is often the strongest protective factor for a young person

Who It Serves

Adolescents identified as high-risk through schools, youth groups, or community partners, and their families, throughout the organization’s Eastern North Carolina service area.

How Referrals Work

Schools, youth-serving organizations, and families can request services directly. Email referrals@upliftnc.org to connect with a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.