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Substance Use Counseling & Prevention

For Children & Adolescents

Guiding Youth Toward Brighter Futures

At the Nova Center for Youth & Family, we walk alongside young people (ages 12-18) and their families as they navigate the challenges of substance use. Through prevention programs that build resilience and individualized treatment plans for every client, we promote healthier choices and brighter futures.

Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services

Education and early intervention for youth and families to reduce risks and build resilience.
  • Group-based prevention programs for high-risk youth
  • Life-skills education focused on coping, decision-making, and resiliency
  • Community partnerships aimed at reducing early substance use
  • Outpatient treatment and support for adolescents with substance use concerns
  • Services for youth ages 12–18 and their families
  • Referrals accepted from schools, families, juvenile justice, and community partners
  • Individualized treatment plans to support recovery and long-term stability
Intensive Outpatient Counseling (IOP)
Group therapy serves as the primary treatment approach, following a structured curriculum that addresses sobriety, recovery, and related challenges. Sessions meet three times per week for 12 weeks, with individual and family therapy also available as needed.
Moral Recognition Therapy Model (MRT)

This program works to help clients reevaluate their moral decisions in their lives and replace counterproductive processes with productive ones. MRT is offered in a group setting while using individual and family therapy as needed.

Facts and Statistics About Youth Substance Use

Illicit Drug Use in the Past Year

NSDUH asked respondents aged 12 or older about their use of drugs in the 12 months before the interview.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
2024 Companion Infographic Report: Results from the 2021 to 2024 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health

Statistics on Teen Drug & Alcohol Use in the US

  • 22% of high school students report drinking alcohol in the past month, down from nearly 40% a decade ago.
  • Over 90% of adults with substance use disorders began using before age 18.
  • Approximately 12–14% of teens have misused a prescription pain reliever at least once.
  • 36% of adolescents say they’ve tried vaping (nicotine or cannabis), reflecting a notable shift from traditional cigarette smoking.
Source: Teen Drug and Alcohol Use in the US: Statistics – Addiction Group

CDC Data on Substance Use Among Youth

  • 15% of high school students reported having ever used select illicit or injection drugs—cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, or ecstasy.
  • 14% of students reported misusing prescription opioids.
  • Injection drug use places youth at direct risk for HIV. And in a broad sense drug use places youth at risk of overdose.
  • Youth opioid use is directly linked to sexual risk behaviors.
  • Students who report ever using prescription drugs—without a doctor’s prescription—are more likely than other students to have been the victim of physical or sexual dating violence.
  • Drug use is associated with sexual risk behavior, experiencing violence, and mental health and suicide risks.
Source: CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021

Learn More About Nova Center for Youth & Family

Families who need additional support can find counseling, psychiatric care, and specialized programs through our Nova Center for Youth & Family. Together, these services create a continuum of care for children and youth of all ages.

Call 256-705-6365

1900 Golf Rd.
Huntsville, AL 35802

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Access to Care

(Register for Services)

For everything from mental health and substance use treatment programs to crisis stabilization and outreach services, WellStone makes it easy to find the right care at the right time. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. We accept most forms of insurance, including Medicaid, Tricare, and select Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama plans.

To connect with the care that’s right for you, call our Access to Care line:

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