Pathways 2 Prevention

In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: nothing about us without us.Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including Cressida (World Federation Against Drugs), Sana, Fuhaira, and Muhammad (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle—not a box to tick.---------------If you are a youth leader or work with youth-serving organizations, this episode is your invitation to:Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration—programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives—send your activities and outcomes to [email protected] for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.Resources MentionedYouth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery – full text and data reportWorld Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) – declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazinePakistan Youth Organization – a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration

Dave Closson sits down with Terry Gerlach, Supervisor of Clinical Services at Hazelden Betty Ford in Naples, to explore recovery and mental health in older adults. Terry shares her career pivot from corporate banking to clinical work, the power of holistic care that treats substance use and mental health together, and practical ways families and providers can recognize risk, strengthen protective factors, and support lasting recovery. The conversation dives into shame versus guilt, “taking your power back,” trauma-informed healing, and small habit shifts that build hopeful momentum at any age.Key takeawaysRecovery has no age limit. It’s never too late to ask for help and rebuild a meaningful life.Treat both substance use and mental health together. A holistic approach closes harmful care “silos.”Older adults face unique risk factors: loss, identity shifts, social isolation, mobility changes, and medication complexity.Protective factors matter: sober support, faith, movement, purposeful activity, and service or mentorship.Shift from shame to guilt. Shame attacks identity. Guilt focuses on behaviors you can change.“Take your power back.” Focus on what you can control today. One day at a time counts.Family and providers can be bridges. Notice subtle cues, stay connected, offer options without judgment.Small practices, big impact: affirmations, breathwork, gratitude, “habit stacking,” and boundaries to prevent compassion fatigue.Topics covered- Holistic treatment: integrated care for substance use and mental health- Levels of care: residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient- Older adult programming and considerations- Risk and protective factors for older adults- Shame vs. guilt and practical self-forgiveness routines- Trauma-informed care: EMDR, nervous system work- Family roles, early cues, and supportive conversations- Provider self-care and boundaries to avoid compassion fatigue- Simple daily practices: gratitude, affirmations, measured breathing, limiting negative media, transitional ritualsNotable quotes- “It is never too late to get help. Help is available. You are worth saving.” — Terry- “Take your power back by focusing on what you can control—today.”- “Hope has no age limit.”Resources mentioned- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk- Atomic Habits by James Clear- VolunteerMatch.org for purpose-building opportunities-National Prevention Summit 2026Drug Free America Foundation Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, Dave Closson sits down with Jason Dorr, a longtime youth mentor and prevention educator from More2Life. With nearly two decades of experience working with teens in schools, churches, and communities, Jason shares how his passion for helping youth make positive choices has shaped his work—and the lives of countless young people.Together, Dave and Jason explore:✔️ How prevention and youth development go hand in hand✔️ What it takes to truly engage teens in meaningful conversations✔️ Why social media, substance use, and relationships are essential topics to address✔️ How parents can build trust and open communication with their kids✔️ The ripple effect of making one good choice—and the power of one caring adultWhether you’re a parent, educator, prevention leader, or someone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers practical insights, real-world stories, and encouragement to keep showing up.Links: https://www.m2l.org/ http://www.facebook.com/#!/more2lifeflhttps://www.instagram.com/more2lifefl/https://www.dfaf.org/

In this powerful episode, Dave sits down with Julietta, a passionate prevention leader whose journey began as a child growing up in Juárez, Mexico, once known as the most dangerous city in the world. Julietta shares how witnessing the harsh realities of drug and human trafficking shaped her deep commitment to prevention work.What started as childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong mission: empowering youth, families, and communities with truth-based education. Julieta brings heart, humility, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of listening first, honoring community voices, and building trust through facts, not fear.Together, Dave and Julieta explore:The power of early, ongoing conversations about substance useHow youth mentoring and community outreach create ripple effectsWhy today's drug landscape demands honest, proactive engagementJulieta’s motto: “Knowledge is power” and how it saves livesThis isn’t just a conversation about prevention—it’s a reminder that purpose can grow from pain, and that even one conversation or one booklet can change a life.Key Takeaways:Prevention begins with real conversations, not scare tactics.Listening to youth and communities builds trust and relevance.The drug landscape is evolving—education must keep pace.Empowering parents and mentors with facts makes a lasting impact.Resources & LinksVisit drugfreeworld.org to explore free courses and request booklets.Learn more about the Drug Free America Foundation at dfaf.org.Join the ConversationLoved this episode? Share it with someone who cares about prevention. Leave a review and tell us what inspired you. Let’s continue creating pathways to a healthier, drug-free future—together.

After losing her sister to an overdose and her husband in a tragic military accident, Natalee King found herself drowning in grief, addiction, and hopelessness. What followed was a years-long descent marked by trauma, legal troubles, and a suicide attempt. She believed her story was over.But then—something changed.In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Natalee shares the moment she screamed at God and her phone started playing the song she and her husband once shared. A “God wink,” as she now calls it. From that moment, her journey toward healing began—through prayer, love, and the hard work of recovery.Now a U.S. Air Force Veteran, mother, and recovery advocate with over 300,000 followers, Natalee uses her voice to show others that healing is possible—even after unimaginable loss.This episode is about grief, yes—but it’s also about resilience, faith, and what it means to choose hope again and again, one day at a time.Content WarningThis episode contains discussions of grief, addiction, suicide, and traumatic loss. Listener discretion is advised.Topics CoveredThe physical and emotional weight of griefPrescription misuse after traumaSurviving addiction and finding purposeThe role of faith and spiritual turning pointsHow one man’s support (Justin) helped save her lifeWhy storytelling is healingIf you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:Text or Call 988SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Links:https://www.instagram.com/nataleeeking https://www.facebook.com/people/Natalee-King Drug Free America Foundation Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter