What is Awareness

Awareness is the foundation of prevention.

At National Awareness & Prevention 101 (NAP101), awareness goes beyond knowing — it means recognizing, understanding, and responding to the realities of substance misuse in our communities.

What Awareness Really Means

• Understanding the Facts
  Grasp the truth about addiction, overdose, fentanyl, and counterfeit pills.

• Recognizing Warning Signs
  Spot early indicators of substance use in yourself, friends, or family.

• Identifying Risk Factors
  Pay special attention to vulnerabilities affecting youth, Tribal Nations, and underserved populations.

• Breaking the Silence
  Speak out to reduce stigma and open life-saving conversations.

Why It Matters

Awareness isn’t fear-based — it’s fact-based. It provides people with truth, tools, and the courage to protect themselves and others.

“When people know better, they can do better. Awareness opens the door to prevention.”