A new documentary about youth substance use prevention in Idaho called Welcome to the Unaltered State premieres April 22 at 8 p.m., and Idaho Public Television wants families with teens and tweens to join in a statewide dinner and a movie night at their homes and community spaces.
“Prevention begins at home,” explains executive producer Jennie Sue Weltner. “We are inviting families to sit down with their teens and tweens in their own homes, or at one of the school-sponsored events around the state; have dinner together; watch the premiere of Welcome to the Unaltered State on Idaho Public Television; and have an open and honest conversation about the dangers of substance use.”
According to the experts who appear in the documentary, Idaho has a serious problem when it comes to youth substance use.
According to a 2025 survey, one in five kids in Idaho is regularly vaping, a rate that is twice the national average. Rates of youth alcohol, marijuana and opioid misuse are also higher than the national average.
Healthcare experts say a youth mental health crisis in Idaho and easy-to-access drugs via smartphones is compounding the problem and that kids are self-medicating with illicit substances for anxiety and depression.
“There are places in Idaho where you can get illicit and illegal drugs delivered within five minutes via a smartphone, but you can’t get mental health care for at least five months because we don’t have enough mental health care providers,” explains Weltner.
Experts also warn that any drug, including vapes, can be laced with Fentanyl, which makes the drug landscape more dangerous and deadly.
The campaign is designed to shift attitudes and behavior surrounding youth substance use.
“There are some folks who believe that youth experimenting with drugs and alcohol is a rite of passage. A sort of ‘I did it, and I turned out fine’ mentality,” says Weltner. “If we succeed with this campaign, that attitude would shift to ‘the drug landscape is more dangerous and deadly than when I was a kid; I need to talk with my child about substance use.’ That’s the new rite of passage that we hope that anyone who has a child in their life whom they love and care for will embrace.”
The documentary is the foundation for a statewide campaign of the same name. Funded by Idaho’s Millennium Fund, the campaign is an invitation to consider the benefits of a substance-free lifestyle and a community call to action to fight for a substance-free future for Idaho’s kids. TheUnalteredState.org website connects families and community members with resources and organizations throughout Idaho who provide prevention expertise and support.
Viewers will learn about today’s drug landscape, the incredible adolescent brain, the amazing Idaho organizations who offer support to kids and families, and simple ways to strengthen connections in your family, schools and community.
“This is ultimately a message of love and hope for our kids,” says Weltner.
The documentary airs Tuesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. on Idaho Public Television. The campaign and family discussion guide can be found at TheUnalteredState.org.