2025 Policy Changes Related to Substance Use Prevention

January 29, 2025
The New Year’s New Policies
A new year often brings fresh resolutions, but this year, it’s also bringing new laws that could impact substance use prevention efforts in our communities. From tighter regulations on nicotine and alcohol-infused products, to expanded mental health support for first responders, 2025 is ushering in policy changes designed to protect youth and enhance public safety. What do these updates really mean for parents, caregivers, and those who work with young people? Let’s break down the latest legislation and explore how these changes might shape the year ahead:
Public Act 103-0904: Regulating Alcohol-Infused Products and Co-Branded Alcoholic Beverages
This amendment to the Liquor Control Act of 1934 introduces specific regulations for alcohol-infused products—such as alcoholic ice creams or gelatins—and co-branded alcoholic beverages that share branding with non-alcoholic products (Coca Cola with Jack Daniels, Simply Spiked Lemonade, or Welch’s Craft Cocktails to name a few). Retailers are now prohibited from displaying these alcohol-infused items immediately adjacent to non-alcoholic counterparts or youth-targeted products like soft drinks and candies. Additionally, establishments smaller than 2,500 square feet must either avoid such placements or provide clear signage indicating the alcoholic nature of these products. In practice, this means that your local gas stations and grocery stores will need to ensure that alcoholic beverages aren’t placed next to regular ones, reducing the likelihood of accidental purchases by minors or unsuspecting adults.
Senate Bill 2662: Preventing Misleading Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes
Amending the Preventing Youth Vaping Act, this bill prohibits manufacturers, distributors, and retailers from advertising, marketing, or promoting electronic cigarettes in ways that could mislead adults—such as parents, guardians, or teachers—into mistaking them for non-tobacco products. This means that e-cigarette products can no longer be designed or packaged in a manner that resembles everyday items like USB drives, highlighters, or candy, which could inadvertently end up in the hands of young individuals. For parents and educators, this improves the chance of detecting vaping products disguised as harmless objects. If you or someone you know is a young person that is experiencing signs of nicotine dependence, visit Smoke Free Teens for help with reducing or quitting use.
The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 (H.R. 8663): Enhancing Detection of Illicit Substances
This federal legislation empowers the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to improve its capabilities in detecting and identifying illicit substances, specifically fentanyl and xylazine. By leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies, the aim is to intercept these dangerous drugs before they infiltrate communities. For local neighborhoods, this could translate to a decrease in the availability of these potent substances, thereby reducing the risk of overdoses and associated health crises.
Due to the number of myths and stigma surrounding this topic, our team felt that it was important that our readers understand some essential facts about illicit fentanyl in the United States:
- There is currently no comprehensive data to show the total amount of fentanyl that is smuggled into the U.S. annually.
- 80% of individuals caught with fentanyl during border crossings at ports of entry from 2019 to 2024 were U.S. citizens.
- There was no decrease in the amount of fentanyl seized in the United States from 2017-2023, despite numerous federal policies enacted to reduce the number of refugees and asylum-seeking individuals settling in the U.S.
Recognizing the psychological toll on those serving on the front lines, this Illinois bill mandates that health insurance plans cover mental health counseling for first responders and mental health professionals. In real-world terms, a firefighter or counselor experiencing job-related stress or trauma will now have improved access to necessary mental health services without the barrier of prohibitive costs. This support not only aids the individuals directly but also ensures that they can continue to serve their community effectively.
House Bill 4942: Enhancing Overdose Tracking and Public Health Responses
This Illinois legislation requires coroners and medical examiners to report detailed data on overdose-related deaths to the Department of Public Health. The information includes the specific substances involved, such as whether fentanyl was part of the consumed substance, and, if known, the proportion of fentanyl relative to other substances. By collecting this detailed data, public health officials can better understand the patterns and causes of overdoses, leading to more targeted prevention strategies and timely interventions. For communities, this means more effective responses to the opioid crisis, potentially saving lives through informed policy and resource allocation.
The New Year’s New Policies
Collectively, these legislative measures represent a comprehensive approach to substance use prevention, focusing on regulation, detection, support, and data-driven strategies to protect and enhance the well-being of our communities.
While these policy changes are a step in the right direction, preventing youth substance use takes more than just legislation—it requires ongoing conversations and community involvement. Parents and caregivers can support these efforts by staying informed about emerging trends, setting clear expectations around substance use, and fostering open, judgment-free discussions with their teens. Educators and youth mentors can integrate prevention messaging into everyday conversations, helping young people build the skills to make informed, healthy choices, and community members can advocate for continued policy improvements to support local prevention programs.
By working together—at home, in schools, and in our neighborhoods—we can help ensure that these new laws have a lasting, positive impact on the health and well-being of our youth.
Looking for resources to get educated or ideas to spark conversation with the youth in your life? Find all this and more on our prevention resource hub for parents and caregivers at peerservices.org/for-parents

If you or someone you know could benefit from the resources offered by PEER Services, please reach out to us at contact@peerservices.org
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