Alaska's 18- to 25-year-olds are now at the center of a bold public health campaign designed not to lecture them, but to meet them where they are. The Alaska Department of Health's Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention has launched Next Move, a campaign built on a simple philosophy: "No pressure, just options."
The timing matters. Young adulthood is when life pivots—new jobs, new living situations, new independence, and new stressors all arrive at once. It's also a critical window for substance use prevention. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2023, alcohol and marijuana use often begin at younger ages, while other illegal substances such as opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens typically begin around age 21. Self-reported use of these substances increases after age 25. This narrow window—roughly between the late teens and mid-twenties—is when intervention can make the greatest difference.
Next Move bridges the gap between mental health support and substance use prevention, recognizing what research has long confirmed: the two are deeply connected. Young adults facing stress, peer pressure, and uncertainty often turn to substances as a way to cope. The campaign flips this script by offering real alternatives—healthier coping strategies and accessible mental health resources—before crisis becomes habit.
Lindsey Kato, Director of the Division of Public Health at the Alaska Department of Health, frames the campaign's approach with clarity: "Young adulthood is a time of major transition, and many people are figuring out how to cope with stress, emotions, and new responsibilities. Next Move is about meeting people where they are and offering practical, non-judgmental support to help them take their next step."
The campaign itself was shaped by Alaskan young adults and community partners, ensuring that the messaging reflects actual experiences rather than assumptions. It highlights accessible strategies—connecting with others, practicing mindfulness, seeking professional support—and connects young people to both local and statewide resources. The emphasis is on choice and agency, not shame or coercion.
What makes Next Move distinctive is its refusal to treat mental health and substance use as separate issues. By addressing them together, the campaign helps young adults recognize the early warning signs that they might be turning to substances as a coping mechanism, and it normalizes reaching out for help earlier rather than later. "Coping looks different for everyone," Kato notes. "This campaign helps young adults explore what works for them and reminds them that support is always within reach."
For a generation often bombarded with warnings and judgment about substance use, Next Move offers something different: recognition that young adulthood is genuinely hard, that struggling is normal, and that help doesn't come with strings attached. The campaign launched during Mental Health Awareness Month and directs young adults to NextMove.alaska.gov, where they can explore resources, read real stories, and find tools tailored to their needs.
In a state where substance misuse affects communities across geography and demographics, this campaign represents a shift toward prevention grounded in empathy and practical support—the kind that actually reaches people when they need it most.