Substance use prevention starts long before a problem develops. Open conversations, reliable information, and supportive relationships can help individuals and families make informed decisions, recognize early warning signs, and seek help when needed.
During Substance Use Prevention Week, we are highlighting the importance of prevention and the role families and communities play in promoting healthier futures. We spoke with Pablo Silva, Director of Sin Ataduras, El Futuro’s Alcohol and Substance Use Program, about the factors that influence substance use, the unique challenges some Latino and immigrant families face, and how we can support our loved ones with compassion and understanding.
What is the most important thing people should know about substance use prevention?
At El Futuro, we believe prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce the negative consequences associated with illicit substance use and problematic alcohol consumption. Prevention protects health, strengthens families, and promotes healthier communities. In many ways, prevention is an act of love.
Research also shows that investing in evidence-based prevention programs can generate significant long-term savings. For every dollar invested, an estimated $10 to $18 can be saved in future costs related to treatment, healthcare, the justice system, and lost productivity.
What factors can make someone more vulnerable to alcohol or other substance use?
There is no single cause. Substance use is often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Risk factors may include family history and genetics, family and community environments, peer pressure, traumatic experiences, mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, and the availability of substances.
Research suggests that genetic factors may account for approximately 40% to 60% of the vulnerability to developing a substance use disorder. However, environmental influences and life experiences also play an important role. Understanding these factors helps us recognize that substance use is complex and that prevention requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach.
Are there particular challenges that may increase vulnerability among Latino and immigrant communities?
Yes. Certain experiences can increase vulnerability, especially when people lack adequate family or community support.
These may include trauma associated with the immigration process, family separation, language barriers, adjusting to a new culture, isolation and loneliness, discrimination, financial and employment difficulties, and social environments where alcohol or drug use is normalized. These experiences do not mean someone will develop a substance use problem. However, they can increase vulnerability, particularly when people have limited access to support and resources.
What early warning signs might indicate that someone is struggling with alcohol or other substance use?
Some warning signs include withdrawing from family and friends, sudden changes in behavior or mood, changes in social circles, declining performance at school or work, neglecting personal hygiene or appearance, and recurring conflicts at home, school, or work.
Other signs may include needing to consume increasing amounts of a substance or losing control over how much or how often one uses it. One or more of these signs does not necessarily mean someone has an addiction. However, they may indicate that it is time to seek guidance or professional support.
If a family member or friend is concerned about someone, how can they offer support without making that person feel judged or ashamed?
Family and friends are often the first line of support. The most important thing is to approach the person with respect, genuine concern, and a desire to help, avoiding criticism, labels, or confrontational conversations.
You might say:
“I’m worried about you, and I’d like to know how you’re feeling.” “I’ve noticed some changes, and I want to support you.” “You matter to me, and I’m here to help.”
Choose an appropriate time to talk, listen without judgment, and offer to help the person find professional support if needed. Avoid having this conversation when the person is under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Most importantly, let them know they don’t have to navigate the situation alone. If they are ready and willing to seek help, offer to accompany them through the process.
Through your work at El Futuro, what are you hearing from the communities we serve that you think more people should understand?
We are seeing a strong need for education and open conversations about alcohol and substance use. Many families want to better understand the risks, recognize early warning signs, and learn how to have meaningful conversations with their children and loved ones. We also see that when people have access to reliable information and practical tools, they feel better equipped to make healthy decisions and seek help when they need it.
Education and prevention remain two of the most powerful tools we have to protect our families and communities.
Has an experience in your work changed the way you understand substance use prevention?
Absolutely. Through our community outreach activities, we have seen how a timely conversation can make a meaningful difference in a family’s life. We often meet parents who are concerned because their children are experimenting with alcohol or cannabis products, including edible products sometimes known as “gummies.” Many are looking for guidance on how to address these topics effectively and strengthen communication with their children.
When a family chooses to act early and seek support before a concern escalates, we see firsthand the value of prevention. These moments remind us that early intervention can change the course of someone’s life.
If you could leave families with one message during Substance Use Prevention Week, what would it be?
I would tell every family that prevention is one of the greatest expressions of love we can offer our children and loved ones. Talking, listening, providing guidance, and being present can make an enormous difference. We should not wait for a problem to arise before starting the conversation.
If you have questions or concerns, seek help. Resources, tools, and professionals are available to support you. No one has to face this situation alone. At El Futuro, we are committed to serving our community with respect, confidentiality, and support. Prevention does more than protect individuals: it strengthens families and builds healthier communities.
Alvely Alcántara, LCSW
Rossy C. Garcia, MEd 
Katy Sims, MD 
Everardo Aviles, LCSW, LCAS (Eve)
As a medical anthropologist and social work researcher, Dr. Gulbas’ research embodies interdisciplinarity through the integration of applied theories of health and human development with qualitative and ethnographic methodologies. Her work seeks to understand how people—children, families, and providers—navigate complex sociocultural landscapes in the pursuit of mental health. Most of her work, to date, focuses attention on developing more robust interpretations of suicide risk. With funding from the National Institutes of Mental Health, this body of research has contributed to advancements in theoretical and empirical knowledge of the broader contexts within which youth suicide risk is situated. 
R. Gabriela Barajas-Gonzalez is a developmental psychologist and an assistant professor of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Barajas-Gonzalez is the principal investigator of a study that examines the impact of immigration-related threat and stress on school communities. She earned a PhD in developmental psychology from Columbia University and hold a BA in human biology from Stanford University. Dr. Barajas-Gonzalez is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first gen college student.
Dr. Parra-Cardona is an Associate Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHSSW) at the University of Texas at Austin. At the SHSSW, he serves as Coordinator for Mexico and Latin American initiatives. He also serves as Area Director for Research at the UT Austin Latino Research Institute. Dr. Parra-Cardona’s program of research is focused on the cultural adaptation of evidence-based parenting interventions for low-income Latinx populations in the US and Latin America.
Bianka Reese, PhD, MSPH is a research scientist and program evaluator specializing in adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health. Her previous research in the experiences of Latinx LGBTQ+ youth stems from her work as the Research and Evaluation Manager at SHIFT NC (Sexual Initiatives For Teens), where she led largescale evaluations of multilevel, community-based sexual health promotion initiatives and research projects aimed at elevating the voices of diverse youth in North Carolina. Dr. Reese is currently the Senior Research Strategist at Creative Research Solutions, LLC, an award-winning national evaluation, research, and assessment firm.
Tania Connaughton-Espino, MPH is an independent researcher focused on adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health. Her interest in the experiences of Latinx LGBTQ+ youth stems from her previous work with SHIFT NC (Sexual Initiatives For Teens), where she led the training and evaluation department, conducted capacity-building workshops for youth serving professionals including on the topic of how to be more affirming of LGBTQ youth, and from her extensive experience working with the Latinx population in NC.
Maru Gonzalez, EdD is an Assistant Professor and Youth Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at North Carolina State University. Her areas of inquiry include youth development with a focus on activism, social justice, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people across familial, school, and community contexts. 
Nayeli Y. Chavez-Dueñas, PhD
Hector Y. Adames, PsyD