Making Prevention Fun: The Secret to Sober Parties
In today's episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, we dove into an exciting conversation with Jake White, founder of Vive 18, about transforming the social landscape for youth by creating sober spaces that are both fun and engaging. Jake's story is a testament to the power of going against the grain and challenging societal norms, and his success in throwing alcohol-free parties on college campuses across the country offers a fresh approach to youth drug prevention.
Listen to my conversation with Jake:
Jake's Journey into Prevention
Jake’s journey started from a personal decision to stay sober, but as he quickly found out, maintaining that choice in a college environment often comes with social isolation. "You feel like you have to choose between being social and being sober," Jake explained, recalling the struggles he faced in his early college days. This realization led him to a pivotal moment—deciding to create an alternative. He started throwing sober parties on his Wisconsin campus, which not only gained traction but exploded in popularity, drawing hundreds of students, and garnering national sponsorships from brands like Red Bull and Pizza Hut.
What makes these events work? Jake discovered that students weren’t necessarily drawn to the alcohol and drugs, but rather to the fun and social connections they represented. By offering a drug-free alternative that was just as exciting, if not more so, Jake showed that students could have a full, vibrant social life without substances. His approach brings to light a culture that already exists—the desire for genuine connection and fun without the need for drugs or alcohol.
A key takeaway from our conversation with Jake was the importance of "social proof" in prevention. While statistics on drug use might suggest that many students are sober, it’s not until people experience or see others enjoying sober events that they begin to believe in the possibility of fun without substances. Jake’s events provide that proof, creating a new normal for students and challenging the social norms around partying.
Jake’s work has now evolved into the Vive 18 Youth Leadership Conference, a space where students develop leadership skills and plan substance-free events for their campuses. It’s not just about throwing a party—it’s about sparking a movement. By empowering students to take ownership of their social experiences, Jake is creating lasting change on campuses across the country.
For prevention professionals, Jake’s story is an inspiring reminder that prevention can be fun, engaging, and impactful. His method flips the narrative on its head by focusing on empowerment and positive experiences rather than fear-based approaches. As Jake said, "It’s not about changing a culture—it’s about bringing light to the one that already exists."
If you're looking to engage youth in drug prevention, remember: fun and connection are key. Prevention doesn’t have to be serious or scary—it can be a celebration of life, community, and health.
To learn more about Jake’s approach and how to bring these ideas to your community, check out Vive 18 and consider starting your own sober movement. Prevention is better together, and together, we can create a culture where students feel empowered to make healthy choices.
You can watch my conversation with Jake here:
