Public Act 103-0399 specifies that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) collaboratively develop a comprehensive Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide for public elementary and secondary schools across the state of Illinois by July 1, 2024, and regularly update it. This mandate is designed to address escalating concerns pertaining to substance abuse among youth and to provide necessary resources for prevention and recovery efforts.

ISBE and IDHS collaborated with stakeholders, including the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council, to ensure the relevance of the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide. It will be regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest findings. The guide will be accessible on this page and disseminated electronically statewide. School districts are not required to use it, but are encouraged to do so for effective instruction. The guide, which is aligned with state standards and action plans, includes age-appropriate content, strategies for interactive instruction, and resources for diverse demographics. IDHS may reimburse costs for heroin and opioid prevention programs, emphasizing effective teaching methods and technological integration. There are also additional resources listed below.

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide

School Administrators Resources

School administrators play a critical role in both drug education and overdose prevention within schools. They introduce evidence-based programs into the curriculum, establishing a safe and knowledgeable school environment. They collaborate with health professionals, parents, and community organizations to form a supportive network for students. Their leadership in raising awareness, facilitating training sessions, and providing resources equips students to make informed choices about drugs, ultimately preventing misuse and safeguarding student health.

Building Trust and Relationships
- Relationships First: Creating Connections that Help Young People Thrive
- Transformational Relationships for Youth Success
Trainings on Drug Education
- Drug Abuse Research in Historical Perspective
- Health Equity in the Response to Drug Overdose Training
Overdose Prevention within Diverse Youth Populations
- Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research
- Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents
Anti-Stigma Resources
- Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction
- Preventing and Reducing Stigma: Education

Teachers Resources

Educators can create supportive environments for open discussions by fostering trust and relationships with youth. Educators who integrate historical and factual drug education into the curriculum ensure students understand the risks and consequences of substance misuse. They can address overdose prevention within diverse youth populations by engaging students as leaders and tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of all students, promoting inclusivity and understanding.

Developing Trust and Relationships
- Transformational Relationships for Youth Success
- How Racism and Bias Influence Substance Use and Addiction Treatment
Drug Education Programs
- A Brief History of Substance Use and Policy Responses in the U.S.
- Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics
Overdose Prevention within Diverse Youth Populations
- Opioid Overdose Epidemic Hits Hardest for The Least Educated
- Infusing Equity and Cultural Responsiveness in Local Youth Substance Use Prevention Efforts: Tips and Tools

Parents and Caregivers Resources

Parents and caregivers who actively engage in family discussions and school programs create safe spaces for children to ask questions and express concerns, indicating to children that drug education is a priority. Understanding drug education and prevention strategies allows parents and caregivers to provide accurate information and clear advice to their children and recognize early signs of potential drug use or related issues. Employing trauma-informed approaches fosters supportive environments that address underlying issues sensitively and respectfully. This involvement is key to preventing drug misuse and promoting overall well-being.

Engaging Families
- Parent Involvement in Drug Education: Guidelines for Schools
- Guide to implementing family skills training programs for drug abuse prevention
Understanding Drug Education and Prevention
- Systemic Racism and Substance Use Disorders
- Insights into Effective Substance Use Prevention Messaging for Youth
Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Harm Reduction as a Trauma-Informed Approach to Substance Use
- Practical Guide for Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach

Community Stakeholders Resources

Community stakeholders can foster collaboration in effective drug education and youth overdose prevention by leveraging local resources and expertise. Local leaders, community organizations, health care providers, and law enforcement can significantly contribute by participating in initiatives and offering comprehensive insight on programs that cover the history of drug use, current trends, and health equity principles. Informed stakeholders can support evidence-based strategies to address substance misuse and promote trauma-informed approaches that recognize students' trauma experiences, prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment, create supportive frameworks that encourage open communication and early intervention.