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Category: mental health

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Mental health

Discretion’s Impact on Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The United States is grappling with a drug epidemic of unprecedented proportions. With over 100,000 drug-related deaths in 2022 alone, finding effective ways to address substance use disorder (SUD) is more critical than ever. Medicaid, as the largest provider of SUD treatment services and medications, plays a pivotal role in this battle. But did you […]

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Mental health

Guiding the Use of Opioid Litigation Funds

The opioid crisis has cast a long shadow over countless lives across America. However, a beacon of hope has emerged from the legal battles fought against opioid manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and pharmacies. The settlements from these lawsuits present an unprecedented opportunity to fund lifesaving programs for people who use drugs. To ensure these funds are […]

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Mental health

How Surveillance Systems Can Save Lives

Suicide and self-harm are urgent public health issues that impact countless lives every year. These behaviors are complex and influenced by many factors, making it difficult to track and prevent them effectively. That’s where surveillance systems come into play. They collect and analyze data to help public health officials understand trends, identify at-risk populations, and […]

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Mental health

Novel Approaches to Treating Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has become one of the most pressing public health crises of our time, leading to significant health, social, and economic consequences. Despite decades of research and the development of medical treatments, overdose deaths continue to rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, interrupting access to treatment and increasing overall substance […]

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Mental health

The YouTube Effect on Early Childhood Mental Health

In today’s digital age, YouTube has become a favorite among children for its wide array of videos, which range from educational content to entertainment. My kids go crazy for stuff like this. I don’t understand it at all. However, the increasing screen time has sparked concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals. A recent study […]

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Mental health

The Power of Peer Support in Overdose Prevention

In the ongoing battle against the overdose crisis, a powerful ally has emerged: peer support. A recent comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of individuals with lived experience in overdose prevention interventions. By leveraging their unique insights and experiences, peers are not only saving lives but also transforming the way we approach harm reduction. The […]

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Mental health

Peer Support in Emergency Departments

Emergency departments (EDs) are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing crises related to substance use disorders (SUDs). To address the growing opioid crisis, many EDs have started integrating Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) into their patient care teams. This approach has shown promise, but little is known about the specific roles and workflows […]

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Mental health

The Overdose Crisis: A Personal Perspective

In the United States, the devastating impact of drug overdose is a stark reality for millions. Since 1999, over a million lives have been lost to drug overdose, and the ripple effects of these tragedies extend far beyond the individuals who succumb to addiction. This blog explores a recent study that reveals the personal toll […]

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Mental health

Kratom: A Potential Ally in Overdose Prevention

The struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs) continues to plague many individuals, bringing with it a host of physical, emotional, and societal challenges. In the search for effective harm-reduction strategies, a unique herbal substance known as kratom has emerged, sparking both hope and controversy. Could kratom be a valuable tool in preventing overdoses and supporting […]

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Mental health

Peer Recovery Workers are Undervalued and Underpaid

Peer recovery workers (PRWs) play a vital role in the mental health and substance use recovery landscape. They use their lived experiences of long-term recovery to form supportive, trusting relationships with individuals embarking on their recovery journeys. These workers provide an essential service, yet their compensation often falls short of what is needed to sustain […]

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Mental health

Friendly Visiting Programs: Easing Loneliness in Seniors

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s hard to believe that millions of people suffer from loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older adults. Despite remaining in touch through various technologies, many still feel the void of meaningful human contact. A systematic review of friendly visiting programs reveals that these initiatives, aimed at reducing loneliness and improving […]

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Mental health

Understanding the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Each year, thousands of lives are lost to suicide, and many more people struggle with suicidal thoughts. To address this crisis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide […]

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