When it comes to protecting young adults from addiction, prevention must start in the places where they live, learn, and connect. An array of communities – families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods – form the fabric of community life; within that fabric lies both risk and resilience. Communities that invest in prevention don’t just reduce the […]

How One Trusted Relationship Can Change the Entire Trajectory of a Young Adult’s Life When a young adult begins the difficult journey of recovery from substance abuse—or seeks to prevent it altogether—what they need most isn’t a lecture, a list of rules, or even a well-intentioned treatment plan. They need a person. A voice that

(Supporting the 2025 Theme: “Building Bridges: Connecting Young Adults, Families, and Communities”) In every corner of our communities, families are searching for the right words—the right way—to connect with their teenagers. For parents, teachers, mentors, and neighbors, building trust with young adults is one of the most powerful tools to prevent substance misuse and to

Why Connection Is the Antidote to Addiction Addiction is often misunderstood as merely a problem of substance misuse. However, beneath the surface, addiction is deeply rooted in disconnection: from self, from family, from community, and from purpose. When young adults lose their anchors to meaningful relationships and supportive networks, they become more vulnerable to seeking

You know: addiction doesn’t just affect the person who is using—it touches everyone who loves them. If you have a friend, sibling, child, or partner struggling with addiction, you may feel a painful storm of emotions: fear, frustration, confusion, and heartbreak. You may also feel helpless, unsure of what to say or do, terrified to

Addiction touches every community, every family, and every individual. As the co-founder of Gregg’s Gift, dedicated to supporting young adults and their loved ones on the journey to overcome substance abuse, I have witnessed firsthand the array of emotions that come with this struggle—shame, fear, sorrow, frustration, disappointment, and, ultimately, hope. One of the most