Reaffirming Recovery

Will you share your story?

SAMHSA is sponsoring the 23rd National Recovery Month in September. This national observance is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and promotes the societal benefits of prevention and treatment. It also celebrates people in recovery and promotes the message that recover in all its forms is possible.

There will be a plethora of events and activities across the country, including here in Region III (if you know of an event not listed, please submit it for inclusion to dialogue@ATTCnetwork.org). The Central East ATTC would like to honor and celebrate your recovery by sharing your personal testimonials in our September edition of the Dialogue.

Testimonials can be short or long and can include a photo of yourself or something that represents your recovery journey. Please submit your testimonials to diaglogue@ATTCnetwork.org.

Overdose Prevention

Overdose deaths have increased steadily over the last few decades. CDC links the surge to a higher use of prescription drugs, mainly painkillers and sedatives. The epidemic hasn't left any community untouched and prevention efforts and treatment programs are expanding everywhere. All efforts must include a multi-systemic, total community response.

One aspect of prevention that is gaining popularity across the country is stopping an overdose as it happens, before death occurs. Many jurisdictions now train first responders and health professionals, as well as families and friends of users, how to use prescription medications that safely and effectively reverses an opioid overdose, e.g. Naloxone. There are many state, local, and community programs that offer training and access to Naloxone. Below is a short list of state programs in our region.

DE - DOSE, DC - Bread for the City, MD - ORP, PA - Get Naloxone Now, VA - REVIVE!, WV - OEMS.

See also SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit.

The Central East Resource Library has additional information on opioids. To add your overdose prevention program and/or materials to the library, please email dialogue@ATTCnetwork.org.

Road to Recovery Television and Radio Series

This eight-episode series features panels of nationwide experts from the field of recovery. The August episode, Preventing and Addressing Opioid Misuse and Abuse: Our Nation's Challenge, was just released. This episode highlights recent trends in prescription opioid misuse and heroin use; opioid use disorders; and emergency department visits, overdose, and treatment episodes related to prescription opioids and heroin. Check out other episodes in the series here.