To order your free copy of the Pathways to Prevention guidebook click the link below. It provides many practical, easy-to-use ideas for congregational events that include persons of different ages.

Free copy of the Pathways to Prevention guidebook available from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The faith community is in a powerful position to effect changes in attitudes toward the use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco. People of faith including young people and their parents often look to their religious roots and their fellow believers when grappling with life’s problems. The values that religious communities promote and maintain are a solid foundation on which effective prevention programs can be built.

You can involve your entire congregation in the work of prevention by building on structures and practices already in place. Consider the following possibilities:

• Work prevention messages into sermons and homilies. For example, your religion may believe that there is only one God and that all believers should put God first in their lives. In this belief system, addicted persons have allowed their drug of choice to control their lives in a way that should be reserved for God.

• Encourage youth to design and display anti-drug posters In the meeting/social hall. From cartoons to photography, let the creativity of youth shine through in their own messages.

• Publish your faith’s policies on drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Receptions, meetings or even celebrations may be an opportunity to make community members aware of your congregation’s policies.

Order your free copy of the Pathways to Prevention guidebook. It provides many practical, easy-to-use ideas for congregational events that include persons of different ages.

For more information on drug proofing your children or how to tell if someone is using drugs visit our Parents Guide section.