6 Practical Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Teen Substance Use

In partnership with the Wake County School System, SouthLight runs the ACE-1 Program (Alternative Counseling Education), a class for middle and high school students following a first violation of the district’s L3-1 substance use policy. During the 2025-26 school year, they led 566 students through the program.  

In this month’s blog, the team shares important information on the top substance use issue in schools today, plus these six practical tips to help parents stay informed, involved, and connected with their children.    

1. Are you monitoring their internet and social use?  
2. How many phones does your child have?   
3. Pay attention to the law.  
4. How old are your child’s friends?  
5. Potency–Are you comparing it to when you were a student?   
6. Life changes and developmental differences  

Substance use trends are ever evolving, but one thing remains constant: parents play a critical role in prevention.  

Today’s substance use risks look different. 
Learn more about what parents need to know. 

Growing with Purpose: 2026–27
Annual Message from the CEO

Each year, we set priorities that help guide SouthLight’s work for the next 12 months. As we begin our 57th year, we’re entering a time of significant change in behavioral healthcare. We need to be ready to adapt. Working together as one SouthLight team, we can stay strong and continue serving the people who depend on us.

Making It Easier to Get Care
To make it easier for people to get the help they need, we’re working to reduce wait times, simplify intake and referrals, improve care coordination, and remove barriers that get in the way of treatment. We also need to grow and will look for opportunities to reach more people. This makes SouthLight stronger and gives us the resources to keep investing in our mission.

Supporting Our Team, Working Differently
SouthLight’s work happens because of our caring and committed employees. From simplifying processes, reducing unnecessary work, and improving communication, to operating better across teams, we want to make sure people have what they need to do their jobs well.

Using Data to Make Better Decisions
Understanding how we’re doing and where we can improve is a priority. Good data helps us ask better questions and make better decisions. It helps us see what is working, what needs attention, and where our time and resources can have the greatest impact.

Being Careful with Our Resources
The financial environment ahead will be challenging. Changes to Medicaid, rising costs, and other uncertainties mean we need to be careful about spending and focus on efficiency. Financial discipline allows us to fulfill our mission.

Moving Forward Together
SouthLight has been serving this community for 57 years because of the support we’ve received, our commitment to evolve, and staying focused on why we’re here. By keeping SouthLight strong, resilient, and ready for the future, we can continue providing high-quality mental health and substance use care. When we work together, are willing to adapt, and stay true to our mission, I am confident we can continue to help people thrive.

Adam Hartzell, CEO

Did You Know?
6,169 people were served in the last 12 months.
Your support makes this possible.

Recovery Month Celebrations

Save the date(s) and join us!

Clients, partners, and the community are welcome!

• Meet the SouthLight Team and tour the clinic.
• FREE hot dog lunch & FREE t-shirt
• FREE supplies and resources from community partners
• Learn about Veteran Services