Western Pennsylvania has experienced an epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse in the past 8-10 years. According to 2020 CDC data, Pennsylvania had the eighth-highest drug overdose mortality rate in the U.S. A consortium of the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission (AICDAC) and nine partners created the Nurse Navigator and Recovery Specialist Outreach Program to […]
Substance Abuse Clinic
The Community-Based Medication-First Program for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious health condition that is effectively treated with buprenorphine. However, only a minority of people with OUD are able to access buprenorphine. Many access points for buprenorphine have high barriers for initiation and retention. Health care and drug treatment systems have not been able to provide services to all […]
The Ultimate Guide to Helping Those in Need of Addiction Recovery From Cannabis and Other Substances
With the growing number of Americans trying and using marijuana, it is important to address addiction. It is equally necessary to stress that there is nothing shameful about experiencing it. Addiction affects everyone regardless of gender, age, race, or other socioeconomic factors. While many would prefer to focus on the magnitude of the “harder” drugs […]
Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among Youth and Young Adults
The misuse of prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants among youth and young adults aged 12 to 25 is a major public health issue in the United States. The prevalence of prescription drug misuse is highest among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25; over 11 percent report the misuse of prescription […]
The Opioid Crisis and the Hispanic/Latino Population: An Urgent Issue (English/Spanish Version)
The latest issue brief from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) presents data on the prevalence of opioid misuse and death rates in the Hispanic/Latinx population; contextual factors and challenges to prevention and treatment; innovative outreach and engagement strategies to connect people to evidence-based treatment; and the importance of community voice. The issue brief is now available […]
Strategies to Address the Opioid Epidemic in Black and Hispanic/Latinx Communities
This webinar series, hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) and the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) respectively provided context and a brief data overview of the opioid epidemic in Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities and opportunities to learn more about strategies […]