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Janys Esparza
Helping Our Communities
Gary Mendell Interview
Access to Resources and Treatment
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Jon’s Story – A provider’s experience with SUD
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Natalie’s story brother with SUD
Reggie Whitten’s Story – Son with SUD
What is classified as substance use disorder?
There are no set criteria that confirm if you have a substance use disorder. If you are concerned about your own use of substances or that of a loved one, talk to a professional and express your worries. Outlined below is a definition of what substance use disorder is, and how it is sometimes classified. […]
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Resources
Substance use in TV and the Media
Substance use is represented everywhere. Drugs and alcohol are mentioned in music, movies, TV shows, and on social media. Though some substance use in media is meant to be educational, often, casual appearances of substances can glorify substance use. Can seeing substances in movies, TV, or music videos actually impact substance use amongst our population? […]
The Relationship Between Substance Use Disorder and Law Enforcement
Substance use can affect people of any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic class. Though there are factors that can contribute to prevalence amongst certain groups, it does not discriminate. Law enforcement officers are not immune to Substance Use Disorder. Given the availability of substances coupled with the high levels of stress associated with that line […]
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MAT: Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, refers to combining counseling and behavioral therapy with the use of FDA-approved medicines to treat substance use disorders. This approach is extremely tailored to the individual and can be an effective way to achieve sustained recovery and prevent opioid overdose. MAT is often used for recovery from opioids, like heroin or […]
Use, Misuse, and Abuse
There are a number of different terms associated with substance use and substance use disorder. Distinguishing between substance use, substance misuse, and substance abuse can be a key component to education. Substance use is as simple as it sounds: using drugs and alcohol. This would include any kind of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, prescription opiates, or […]
Talking to your kids about substances
Talking to your children about drugs and alcohol early and often is a key part of prevention. One conversation isn’t enough. Parents and guardians should create a safe space where children feel free to be open and honest, and have small frequent conversations about substances. Children can be intimidated by a formal, sit-down talk at […]
Military Life and Substance Use
Approximately one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, which is slightly higher than the general population. This can be because this particular population is often more directly affected by issues such as PTSD, long-lasting or chronic pain, suicidal ideation, and homelessness – which can all directly correlate to increased substance […]
The Teenage Vaping Epidemic
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 26.6% of high school seniors vaped nicotine in the past year. Vaping devices or e-cigarettes are the most commonly used form of nicotine among youth in the U.S. Commonly referred to as vapes, the devices are appealing to young people because of their convenience, size, and the […]
Naloxone – Know the Facts
What is naloxone? Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, most popularly known by the name brand Narcan. Specifically, naloxone allows an overdose victim to breathe normally. It is not addictive and cannot be abused. When do you need naloxone? Naloxone should be administered to anyone who may be overdosing […]
988 for Substance Use
What Is 988? 988 is an emergency hotline for all mental health crises. A mental health crisis can be anything from thoughts of suicide, to problems with substance abuse, to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. 988 phone operators are not required to give your personal data or information to any protective services. Your […]