GCSUD was established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:2BB from which the Council provides prevention planning, public awareness, and education, and administers the Alliance to Prevent Substance Use Disorder.

The Council is an active and collaborative participant in the planning and coordination of New Jersey's prevention efforts through its membership and the development of the GCSUD Master Plan, as well as its Alliance to Prevent Substance Use Disorder, the largest network of community-based prevention coalitions in the nation. 

During this time of significant challenge, the GCSUD is engaged in evolving and strengthening prevention programming through a public health approach.  Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships with state agencies and stakeholders, the GCSUD and its Alliance Program are perfectly positioned to raise awareness and provide education about substance misuse, both statewide and at the most local levels. All prevention planning is grounded through guiding values that embrace mental health, harm reduction, stigma-free communities, and the empowerment of peers.