Resources
22 Results (showing 1 - 10)
Results sorted by posted date (newest first)
Results sorted by posted date (newest first)
Posted 3/29/2024
A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine organized and conducted a two-day virtual public workshop that brought together data experts, program implementers and evaluators, and other key interested parties to explore data collection efforts, evidence gaps, and research needs on harm reduction for people who use drugs (PWUD).
Posted 11/20/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the use of Alltest Fentanyl Urine Test Cassette, which is the first over-the-counter test for the preliminary detection of fentanyl in urine. The test works by placing three drops of fresh urine onto a cassette containing a fentanyl test strip. After 5 minutes the test result will appear as colored lines. Although the test does not distinguish between certain drugs and medications.
Posted 11/17/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published the new resource "Counseling Approaches To Promote Recovery From Problematic Substance Use and Related Issues". This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) provides guidance to counselors, administrators, and supervisors about recovery-oriented services, supports, and care, allowing them to better serve individuals in or seeking recovery from problematic substance use.
Posted 10/23/2023 (updated 5/24/2024)
Using data from 77 harm reduction programs in 25 US states, researchers found that 12-15% of powder methamphetamine and powder cocaine also contained fentanyl although the prevalence varied geographically. Prevalence of fentanyl in crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine was lower. Heroin and xylazine were also found in unregulated stimulants. Xylazine reduced the ability to detect fentanyl.
Posted 7/28/2023 (updated 3/26/2024)
The Rural Health Information Hub's (RHIhub) article covers best practices and emerging models for rural harm reduction programs. Among those featured in the article is the RCORP-TA grantee, the South Dakota State University's program Stigma, Treatment, Avoidance and Recovery in Time - South Dakota (START-SD).
Posted 7/26/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
This presentation provided an overview of the (1) current U.S. prevalence of opioid abuse and OUD and their societal consequences, (2) impacts of the opioid epidemic on rural geographic areas and populations, (3) recent emergence of synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) and xylazine in the U.S. drug supply, and (4) most empirically supported treatment for patients with OUD.
Posted 7/21/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released a plan in response to fentanyl being adulterated or associated with xylazine, which was declared as an emerging drug threat in April 2023. Due to the effect of combining these substances, people may be less responsive to naloxone in an overdose situation. The response plan includes evidence-based prevention, treatment, and supply reduction action steps, goals, and performance measures.
Posted 7/14/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has compiled a Harm Reduction Framework document that will inform the agency's activities, policies, programs, and practices. The framework document includes SAMHSA's six pillars of harm reduction as well as supporting principles and core practice areas.
Posted 5/26/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
Start your journey to better mental health today and find your support system on FindSupport.gov. Let’s honor the memories of those we have lost and prevent others from managing their mental health challenges alone. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7
Posted 4/28/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
With the proliferation of fentanyl and other adulterants in the national illicit drug supply, people who use drugs (PWUD) are at greater risk of overdose. Among more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths that occurred between July 2021–June 2022, 64% involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Lowering the high rates of overdose among PWUD is possible, as evidence-based practices exist to prevent and respond to overdose, including fentanyl test strips and advanced drug checking equipment. To inform health departments’ harm reduction programming, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing – with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – developed Enhancing Harm Reduction Services in Health Departments: Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Drug Checking Equipment, an educational brief grounded by real-world experience.