Updates

In collaboration with schools, community members, and tobacco and substance use disorder treatment specialists in rural areas, we are developing educational programs and resources to address e-cigarette use (also called vaping) among adolescents. The program focuses on supporting teens in quitting e-cigarettes and supporting health care providers through a credit-bearing educational program.

There is not a “one size fits all” approach to treatment for opioid use disorder as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains. By reducing stigma related to methadone, this project aims to make all Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for opioid use disorder available in communities.

For the Growing Resilience initiative, we are partnering with rural communities to develop trauma-informed approaches to support SUD prevention for rural youth. Learning from schools, pediatric and family medicine practices, social service agencies, and others working with young people, we are collaborating on relevant evidence-based interventions to address the impact of trauma and reduce the risk of developing SUD.

John shares how connection to people is vital in recovery. He states, "What worked best for me was working with other people who had similar issues. There was a saying in the treatment program, 'Identify, but don't compare.'"

Beth has been in recovery for 31 years. She says, "It doesn't happen in one day. It takes a long time to gain the fortitude, to get healthy, to be grateful, to be clean and sober."

A recent report explores the potential of a new approach to providing support locally for people experiencing emotional or suicidal crisis. The center partnered with SafeSide Prevention to examine the current behavioral-health crisis care system and how Community-led Safe Spaces offer a promising option to fill the gaps.

Nicholas Nacca, MD, cares for patients in the ED and also has a background in addiction medicine. When working with patients with SUD, he tries to learn more about their experiences, and he encourages other providers to have these discussions.

Gary has been in recovery for 22 years. He has many nieces and nephews and loves being “Uncle Gary.” “I love my life,” he says.

John is in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). At one of his toughest moments, the concern of a friend and “just that human connection” helped him.

Now in recovery from SUD, Chris says, “My life has become so much more than I ever expected it would be. I have a sense of purpose. I have beautiful relationships in my life.”

Tim Wiegand, MD, is an emergency and addiction medicine physician. ED visits are “an opportunity” and “welcoming is so important,” he says.

Amber has been in recovery for five years. A mother of six, she recently earned her associate degree and runs her own business.