Like all youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex youth and other sexual- and gender-diverse children and adolescents (LGBTQI+ youth) deserve to grow up in supportive environments absent stigma and discrimination that allow them to thrive and achieve their human potential.When seeking behavioral health treatment (both mental health and substance use interventions), these […]
Substance abuse
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 […]
Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner’s Guide
The Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner’s Guide has just been released from the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This guide is especially helpful for individuals and organizations that manage the health and well-being of 9- 18-year-olds. The Guide, which was designed […]
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 […]
keepin’ it REAL
keepin’ it REAL (kiR) is a scientifically proven, effective substance use prevention and social and emotional competency enhancing program designed to focus on the competencies linked to preventing substance use and abuse. Featured as a cost-effective and powerful program by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2016, this program is based on the real stories of […]