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Tag: substance abuse

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Interview

A conversation with Jeff Hanley

Jeff Hanley, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA), has dedicated his career to advancing substance misuse prevention across Pennsylvania. With a background in nonprofit work at the American Red Cross and over a decade of experience at the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. In […]

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Mental health

The Lifesaving Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder Revealed

Opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to plague our society, with overdose deaths reaching staggering numbers. In 2023 alone, over 74,000 people died from opioid overdoses in the United States. Despite this, many who struggle with OUD do not receive the most effective treatments available. A recent study sheds light on which treatment pathways truly make […]

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Policy

Opioid Policies to Combat Addiction

The opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on communities across the United States. To address this crisis, many states have implemented various drug policies aimed at reducing opioid misuse and overdose deaths. But have these policies truly been effective, or have they had unintended consequences? Let’s dive into the findings of a comprehensive study […]

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Mental health

Bringing Addiction Treatment to Those in Need

Opioid overdose deaths have been steadily increasing in the U.S., and the numbers are particularly alarming among Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities, as well as among people experiencing homelessness. While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be lifesaving, only a small fraction of eligible individuals actually receive them. To address this gap, a new […]

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Resources

The Rise of New Synthetic Drugs

Drugs are constantly evolving to stay one step ahead of the law. These new psychoactive substances (NPS) are designed to mimic the effects of traditional illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. Yet, they often come with even more severe health risks. These substances are popping up at an alarming rate, making it tough for […]

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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

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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Health equity

Revisiting America’s Opioid Epidemic: Beyond the Facade of Compassion

This blog version supersedes the earlier publication published on December 14, 2023. In the revelatory review “The Opioid Crisis: The War on Drugs Is Over. Long Live the War on Drugs” published in Annual Reviews, the authors dissect the intricate narrative that has shaped America’s response to its opioid epidemic. Although the portrayal of this […]

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Health equity

Substance Use Risk and Protective Factors Among American Indian and White American Youth: A Crucial Step Towards Equitable Health Interventions

In a recent study titled “A comparison of the substance use related risk and protective factor profiles for American Indian and White American youth: a mixed studies review,” researchers looked into the intricate landscape of substance use risks and protections among American Indian and White American youth. This comprehensive review sheds light on crucial differences […]

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Research

The Intersection of Racial Trauma and Substance Use in American Indian Communities

In the insightful article, “Understanding the Link Between Racial Trauma and Substance Use among American Indians” (Read more), the pervasive and detrimental impact of racism and historical trauma on the health and well-being of American Indian (AI) populations is explored, particularly focusing on the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs). Through qualitative interviews with key […]

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Research

New Horizons in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a complex and devastating condition, impacting not only individual lives but also public health systems globally. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the heart of the matter, drawing insights from the enlightening article Opioid use disorder: current trends and potential treatments This analysis aims to equip public health practitioners […]

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Research

Adolescent Recovery: Insights from “Coming of Age in Recovery”

The recent study, Coming of Age in Recovery: The Prevalence and Correlates of Substance Use Recovery Status Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults, offers vital insights into the substance use recovery landscape among adolescents. This pivotal research, conducted in Illinois high schools, illuminates the prevalence of recovery and sheds light on this demographic’s behavioral health needs. […]

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