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We are the millions of Americans 
affected by addiction who want to be
part of 
the solution.


Why We Prevent Youth Substance Use
The Story Behind SafeLaunch 

Nine out of ten people with substance use disorders began using before age 18.

 

Addiction is preventable.
We promote the decision not to use alcohol or other drugs when the brain is still developing and most vulnerable. Founded by parents, we believe protecting youth from early drug use is as urgent as preventing any other childhood-onset disease.

We advance this mission by expanding access to Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA), a student-led, scientifically grounded program that gives teens confidence, community, and a peer pressure escape. Independent evaluations show it works, with effectiveness increasing every year that students participate.

Too many schools still lack a drug-free clubs and primary drug prevention programs.. We work with prevention partners and private donors to reduce financial barriers so that every student who decides to live drug-free has the support to succeed.

We envision a future where every school has a place where all students find belonging, confidence, and the community to navigate the pressures working against their health.

US population cohorts
Primary prevention protects the largest group: Americans aged 12 and older who are drug free
Primary prevention focus
Drug free
Aged 12 and older
 74.5%
214.6M
Social norm
Misuse
25.5%
73.6M
Education
Substance use disorder
16.8%
48.4M
Treatment
Recovery
8.2%
23.5M
Support
Source: 2026 National Drug Control Strategy pg. 43. 

Make a tax deductible donation here! Tax ID #46-2832792

Contact Us

Mailing Address

SafeLaunch
P.O. Box 21055
Santa Barbara, CA 93121

Phone

(805) 283-SAFE

IRS Employer Identification

#46-2832792

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