For Faith-Based and Community Leaders and Their Members
The following are opioid-related resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), and other HHS divisions.
Prevention & Treatment Resources
SAMHSA’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit: Visit the “Facts for Community Members” and “Safety Advice for Patient and Family Members” sections of this kit. Download them to share with your community.
“Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder”: SAMHSA’s handbook for anyone seeking timely help or information about cutting down or cutting out narcotics, prescription pain medications, heroin and/or other opioid drugs.
Step-by-Step Guides: These NIDA guides walk families through decision points and offer rich lists of resources.
Opioid Basics (CDC): Important information regarding the opioid epidemic that’s designed for non-health professionals and ideal for community and faith-based organizations. Includes helpful commonly-used terms.
Q&A on Naloxone: NIDA information for community leaders on potentially lifesaving drugs and how they are being administered.
“Signs of Substance Abuse and Addiction”: NIDA's “Easy to Read Drug Facts.” Great for faith-based and community leaders to download and share.
“Pathways to Safer Opioid Use”: Health.gov shows how to engage the medical system more proactively by using this interactive tool. Designed for health professionals.
Guideline Resources: “Patient & Partner Tools”: These CDC tools help patients and doctors chose treatment options after the risks and benefits are carefully considered.
“Safer, More Effective Pain Management”: A CDC resource to inform providers’ ability to offer safer, more effective pain management and supports clinical decision making about prescribing opioids.
Substance Abuse Treatment Helpline 1-800-662-HELP: A confidential, free service from SAMHSA — along with referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations — that is available to individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: HRSA’s Community Health Centers are poised to spot someone dealing with opioid addiction and help patients coordinate their care.
Youth & Family Resources
“Teen Talk”: Learn about teen drug use and the brain. This NIDA website features videos, games, blog posts and much more!
“Easy-to-Read Drug Facts”: Videos, such as “Anyone Can Become Addicted to Drugs” and “Why are Drugs so Hard to Quit?” provide critical information in an easy-to-understand format.
“What to Do If Your Teen or Young Adult Has a Problem with Drugs”: NIDA answers timely questions about teens and substance abuse. Helpful content to share with families and individuals in your community.
“Family Checkup; Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse”: NIDA’s five questions highlight key parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth.
Health Library of Federal Adolescent Health Resources on Substance Abuse: Office of Adolescent Health’s comprehensive library of federal resources on adolescent substance abuse, including the abuse of prescription drugs.
Partnership at DrugFree.org: Resources for parents or other caregivers looking for information and strategies to prevent, or stop, illicit drug use by adolescents.
Get Smart About Drugs: An online DEA resource for parents.
“Growing up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention”: A joint effort between the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education that provides information and research specifically for parents on why kids use drugs and how parents can be involved in helping them stay drug free.
“Above the Influence”: The adolescent-geared website from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
“Talk. They Hear You”: Prepare for one of the most important conversations you may ever have with your kids about underage drinking using SAMHSA’s helpful app.
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: This yearly awareness campaign focuses on the importance of emphasizing positive mental health as part of a child’s overall development.
