Collaboration between prevention and harm reduction can improve health outcomes and expand the reach of services. Harm reduction touches services across the behavioral health continuum of care and can align with prevention strategies. This product explains the importance of collaboration between prevention and harm reduction and identifies potential collaborative opportunities and partners. To view/download the […]
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
#MyPreventionStory
#MyPreventionStory is a way for us to acknowledge our mental health and substance use and misuse prevention experiences. Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Demetrie Garner, shares his #MyPreventionStory about his challenges with substance use and how he was able to overcome it: Darkness loomed in every corner of my life during active substance use. My use created […]
Observing International Overdose Awareness Day
As International Overdose Awareness Day approaches, it is crucial to unite in our efforts to end drug overdoses, remember those we’ve lost without stigma, and support their loved ones. This annual campaign, observed on August 31st, strives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, educate communities, and promote policies to prevent tragic loss. The theme for this […]
2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Results Released
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through SAMHSA, published the findings of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This survey provides insights into the experiences of U.S. residents experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. The 2023 NSDUH report features estimates categorized by race, ethnicity, and […]
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month with a Focus on Substance Use Prevention
Happy Pride Month! This month, we celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ community, honoring the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and highlighting progress in LGBTQ rights. Substance use prevention is an important topic to discuss during this time due to disproportionate rates of substance use disorder among LGBTQ individuals, often linked to discrimination and mental health […]
More than 321,000 U.S. children lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011 to 2021
Earlier this month, SAMHSA released a press announcement revealing that based on a study published by JAMA Psychiatry, from 2011 to 2021, an estimated 321,566 children in the United States lost a parent to drug overdose, with rates more than doubling during this period. The study, led by researchers at NIH, SAMHSA, and CDC, highlights the disproportionate impact […]
Syndemics and the Syndemic Framework to Substance Misuse Prevention
A “syndemic” refers to two or more co-occurring epidemics that have shared causes and compounding negative effects. Addressing syndemics can help advance health equity and reduce the scope and impact of negative health conditions. This product explains what syndemics are, provides examples of syndemics that involve substance use, introduces the syndemic framework to prevention, and provides tips […]
Substance Use Prevention Services for Older Adults
More than 13.6 million adults over the age of 50 met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2022. Yet substance use among this population remains underrecognized and has historically not been a priority population for many prevention professionals. This product explains the scope and causes of substance use among older adults, including the […]
A Community Approach to Xylazine and Other Novel Psychoactive Substances: An ORN Regional Summit
A Community Approach to Xylazine and Other Novel Psychoactive Substances: An ORN Regional Summit was held on March 1, 2024, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Opioid Response Network (ORN) hosted a pivotal community event aimed at tackling the rising issue of xylazine and other novel psychoactive substances. The ORN collaborated with several esteemed partners including the West […]
Embracing Cultural Humility in Substance Use Prevention
Cultural humility is a lifelong process of learning, self-evaluation, and seeking to better serve others. Following the principles of cultural humility can help prevention professionals better overcome biases and implement culturally responsive services that improve health and wellness. This product explains the importance of cultural humility and illustrates the steps to pursuing cultural humility. It […]