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Substance Abuse Prevention Services

Baltimore County Department of Health
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212-2130
E-mail: substanceabuse@baltimorecountymd.gov

Phone: 410-887-3828
TTY users call via Maryland Relay 

Prevention programs are designed to prevent or delay the onset of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. Many of the programs are evidence-based programs, which have been proven through research to produce positive results, and have been certified as model programs by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. 

Keeping Teens Safe During Prom Season

Proms and graduations are exciting events for teens that are often accompanied by "high-risk" behavior. It's during these times that teens are more susceptible to drinking alcohol, using drugs, and driving while under these influences. The Safe & Sober Prom Season 2009 Parent Guide & Pledge Book (PDF) offers the following information to help parents keep their teens safe during prom and graduation season:

• Facts about underage drinking and drug use
• What parents can do to encourage driver safety in their teen
• Consequences of providing alcohol to minors
• Supporting after-prom events
• Transportation companies that have made a commitment to not allow any minor
  to use or possess alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs in their vehicles

Prevention Programs

Second Step
Conducted in Head Start and other childcare centers in Baltimore County, this program focuses on improving impulse control, problem solving, anger management, and empathy toward others.  The Second Step Family Program familiarizes parents with the curriculum, assists them with reinforcing the skills at home, and helps them improve their parenting skills.

All Stars
This program targets middle school aged children and is provided in some Police Athletic League (PAL) centers and middle schools. This program encourages children to resist peer pressure, make healthy decisions, and make a commitment not to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. 

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
SADD is a student-run peer leadership program in which students educate their peers about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, HIV/AIDS, violence, and teen pregnancy. There are SADD chapters in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools throughout Baltimore County.

After-Prom Programs
After-prom events are safe, supervised, alcohol and drug free activities that offer a fun, exciting alternative to high risk activities following Senior Proms. Baltimore County high schools may apply for grants from the Department of Health's Bureau of Behavioral Health to help fund after-prom programs.

Strengthening Families
This program is selected for substance abuse treatment centers and the Detention Center for families of adolescents ages 6 -12 years old. This program is designed to improve parenting skills and family communication and cohesion.

Combating Underage Drinking Program  

This effort focuses on affecting policies and practices associated with underage drinking. The Baltimore County Department of Health partners with many organizations as members of the Combating Underage Drinking Coalition. Other members of the coalition include:

The coalition works to provide events, services, information, and education in efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol. Strategies include reducing the availability of alcohol to minors, increasing consistency of enforcement, and decreasing the perception among youth and parents that underage drinking is normal and acceptable.

Educational Materials

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Revised July 27, 2009