Substance Use Prevention In Monmouth County, NJ
Guiding Youth Toward Healthy, Informed Decisions in Monmouth County
Available to public and charter school students and their families.
Prevention is a proven strategy for improving youth health outcomes. NJ4S COMPASS – Monmouth provides fact-based substance use prevention education that equips students with accurate, developmentally appropriate information to counteract misinformation from social media and peer influence. Our programs are designed to delay the initiation of substance use by strengthening students’ understanding of brain development and building practical refusal skills aligned with their personal goals. We work with schools to address emerging trends, including vaping and cannabis use, through a nonjudgmental, health-centered approach that supports informed decision-making and long-term well-being.
Tier 1: Universal Prevention Educational Workshops Pre-K – Grade 12
Educational workshops focused on health literacy and risk prevention, delivered in schools or community settings via classroom presentations, workshops, webinars, small group assemblies, and professional development.
Note on Customization: The list below represents our core units. We work closely with school administrators to adapt each lesson to fit your specific school culture.
Sample Service Offerings
Middle & High School (6-12):
- New and Emerging Drug Trends: Explores the latest drug trends affecting teens and young adults, including vaping, counterfeit pills, and substances laced with dangerous additives like fentanyl.
- Don’t Get Vaped In: A New Jersey-based campaign aimed at educating youth about the dangers of vaping and preventing tobacco use.
- Behind the Screen — Understanding Social Media’s Impact: Discussion of how social media exposure influences risky decisions, including substance experimentation.
- Cannabis, Alcohol, and Vaping — Separating Fact from Fiction: Evidence-informed information on health risks, brain development, and current laws — promoting natural ways to reduce stress without substances.
Parents/Caregivers & School Staff:
- Understanding Youth — Mental Health and Addiction in a Changing World: An update for parents and staff on substances currently circulating in Monmouth County, paraphernalia to recognize, and the connection between adolescent mental health and substance use.
Tier 2: Evidence-Based Targeted Prevention Interventions Middle & High School
Multi-session evidence-based programs delivered to students in small groups.
How to Access: Requires a Connex referral from a designated school representative. For assistance please contact NJ4S COMPASS – Monmouth at 732.961.4354 x2.
Sample Service Offerings
Botvin LifeSkills Training:
- An evidence-based prevention program that uses a variety of teaching methods to prevent substance use and develop social and self-management skills.
Too Good for Drugs:
- A universal prevention education program designed to mitigate risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD).
Teen Intervene:
- A specialized brief intervention for students who have experimented with substances, focused on harm reduction and motivation to change.
Tier 3: Non-Crisis Brief Clinical Assessment and Intervention Middle & High School
Individualized and/or small-group clinical intervention for students.
Service Focus
Substance Use Evaluation:
- Substance use assessment and screening tools utilized to determine appropriate level of care.
Parent Guidance:
- Provide parents and caretakers with psychoeducation and insight on the disease of addiction, plus support and referrals to necessary resources.
Treatment Coordination:
- Recommend appropriate referrals to outpatient programs and/or counseling specifically designed for adolescent substance use.
Get Started With COMPASS by Preferred Behavioral Health Group, an NJ4S Initiative
Help your students make choices that support their future.
Tier 2 & 3
Refer a Student — For Tier 2 & 3 support, please submit an application through Connex.
We're Here To Help
Preferred Behavioral Health Group provides multiple youth and adult services to address emotional, mental, and behavioral health issues. However, some situations require different services. If your child is experiencing life-threatening danger or the immediate risk of harming themselves, you must take them to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 for immediate assistance.