Applying Communication Science to Substance Use Prevention Messaging.

Despite a wealth of evidence-based messaging on youth alcohol and drug prevention, there remains a dearth of research on how to construct and deliver these messages effectively. Communication science is useful for increasing the efficacy of these messages in reducing substance use risk among youth. This study explores the perspectives of youth and youth-serving providers to identify theory-informed substance use prevention messages and strategies and how the content and delivery of prevention messages evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors Associated With Indirect Exposure to and Knowledge of Fentanyl Among Youth.

Purpose: Using data from an online assessment of youth in the United States, this study examined factors associated with youth's indirect exposure to fentanyl; factors related to youth's level of knowledge of fentanyl; and sources of substance use information obtained by youth.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional online assessment of youth ages 13 to 18 in the United States in 2022. Participants self-reported on substance use knowledge and concerns, indirect exposure to substance use, access to substance use information and resources, the extent to which youth discussed drug use harms with someone, and COVID-related stress.