Resources » Opioid Use Disorder Resources for Communities

Opioid Use Disorder Resources for Communities

Communities play a crucial role in addressing the opioid epidemic by implementing various strategies to prevent substance abuse, provide support and treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.

Websites

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish). Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the website.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call. Text. Chat.

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Talk To Someone Now | Help Yourself | Help Someone Else

Behavioral Health Nevada

This website is a database of behavioral health providers specializing in substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment services. All agencies listed are Certified by the Division, SAPTA (Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency).

Know Your Pain Meds

Provides information on how opioids work, alternatives to pain medicine, the overdose reversal medication naloxone, a substance use disorder treatment finder, and submit concerns you have about a medical provider.

National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Information on how drugs affect the brain and body for teens, teachers, and parents.

Tools & Resources

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call. Text. Chat.

How to Become an Overdose Reversal Medication Distribution Site in Nevada

Nevada Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Sites

A list and map of Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Sites in Nevada.

Nevada Overdose Reversal Medication Finder

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

Establishing Peer Support Services for Overdose Response: A Toolkit for Health Departments

Peer support services (PSS) are a valuable component of a growing number of overdose response and linkage to care initiatives that can be implemented and supported by local and state health departments. This toolkit is for local and state health departments and community partners who are exploring opportunities to implement or enhance PSS within overdose response and linkage to care initiatives. This toolkit provides information, resources, tools, actionable steps and real-world examples informed by the latest research, subject matter experts and experiences from diverse settings across the country.

Screening Tools

There are a number of screening tools available that can be self-administered via pen and paper, computer and tablet, or conducted by an interviewer. Each screening tool has pros and cons and a program should decide which screening tool is best for their agency based on population served with consideration to which substances are being used as well as state/regional billable terms for utilization of specific screening forms. Adopt SBIRT offers training and technical assistance on the use of screening assessments.

Native Harm Reduction Toolkit

This toolkit was imagined and created by Arlene Brown, member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, with support from NHRC staff, including Jessica Smith. It has been informed by Tribal and Urban Native people from across California and brings together resources from Indigenous harm reduction leaders from across the country and beyond.

Spirit of Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Communities of Faith Facing Overdose

A toolkit addressing faith and faith leadership in engaging with people who use drugs and harm reduction practices.

Engaging Community Coalitions to Decrease Opioid Overdose Deaths Practice Guide 2023

This guide was developed in recognition of the need to center community engagement throughout the efforts to address the opioid overdose crisis. This guide exists to help communities decrease opioid overdose deaths; it includes tools and real-world examples that can be used to build and strengthen community coalitions that work to reduce opioid overdose deaths.

Overdose Reversal Medication for Community Organizations

Naloxone Distribution in Nevada guidelines and best practices for community based organizations.

The Rural Community Toolbox

This website includes resources to address substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid crisis, as well as Federal resources that can help rural communities become strong, healthy, prosperous, and a resilient place to live and work.

Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit

This toolkit provides guidance to a wide range of individuals on preventing and responding to an overdose. The toolkit also emphasizes that harm reduction and access to treatment are essential aspects of overdose prevention.

Storage and Disposal of Medication

Improper prescription drug use is a serious public health issue. Storing and disposing of medications properly can help reduce harm.

Publications

Xylazine Basics: Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Wound Care

This document provides information on xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer used as an additive in illicit drug supplies, notably in combination with heroin and fentanyl. It discusses the effects of xylazine use, including sedation and potential risks such as hypotension and bradycardia. The document also emphasizes harm reduction interventions for individuals who may encounter xylazine in the drug supply, including the use of naloxone for responding to overdoses and the importance of wound identification and treatment.

Dear Colleague Letter – Xylazine

This “Dear Colleague” letter from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a report on the risks of Xylazine.

Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change

Foote, Jeffrey. (2014). Beyond addiction : how science and kindness help people change : a guide for families. New York, NY :Scribner

The most innovative leaders in progressive addiction treatment in the US offer a groundbreaking, science-based guide to helping loved ones overcome addiction problems and compulsive behaviors.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working in the United States

There are strategies that can assist community leaders, local and regional organizers, non-profit groups, law enforcement, public health, and members of the public in understanding and navigating effective ways to prevent opioid overdose in their communities. Use this information as a reference for evidence-based practices that have been successfully implemented in the U.S.

In My Own Words

A compilation of essays by individuals supported by Medication-Assisted Treatment in long-term recovery.

Posters & Infographics

Opioid Trifold Brochures

Opioid Information Brochures for Providers or Consumers help educate on opioids and opioid use, including effects of opioid use, pregnancy and opioid use, medications for opioid use including opioid overdose reversal medications, and treatment options for persons using opioids.

Download or request free hard copies

Stimulant Trifold Brochures

Stimulant Information Brochures for Providers or Consumers help educate on stimulants, including the effects of stimulants use, pregnancy and stimulant use, and treatment options for persons using stimulants.

Download or request free hard copies

What You Need to Know About Treatment and Recovery There is hope. Recovery is possible. Addiction Is A Disease Opioids are highly addictive, and they change how the brain works. Anyone can become addicted, even when opioids are prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed. In fact, millions of people in the United States suffer from opioid addiction. Signs of Opioid Addiction A major warning sign of addiction is if a person keeps using opioids even though taking them has caused problems—like trouble keeping a job, relationship turmoil, or run-ins with law enforcement. Other signs can include:1 Opioid Use Disorder Sometimes referred to as “opioid addiction,” opioid use disorder is a chronic and relapsing disease that affects the body and brain. It can cause difficulties with tasks at work, school, or home, and can affect someone’s ability to maintain healthy relationships. It can even lead to overdose and death. Trying to stop or cut down on drug use, but not being able to. Taking one drug to get over the effects of another. Using drugs because of being angry or upset with other people. Being scared at the thought of running out of drugs. Stealing drugs or money to pay for drugs. Overdosing on drugs. To learn more about opioid misuse, go to cdc.gov/RxAwareness. 1 findtreatment.gov/content /understanding-addiction/addiction-can-affect-anyone Recovery Is Possible Recovery does not happen overnight. Asking for help from family, friends, co-workers, and others can make a big difference. Tell them your reasons for quitting and ask them to check in with you about how things are going. If you know or suspect someone is struggling, ask if you can help. Treatment Can Help Treatment can help people get their lives back before it is too late. No single treatment method is right for everyone, but research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medication is the most effective approach for overcoming opioid addiction. Addiction is a disease that for many involves long-term follow-up and repeated care to be effective and prevent relapse. When people make a recovery plan that includes medication for opioid use disorder, their chances of success increase. Medications can help normalize brain chemistry, relieve cravings, and in some cases prevent withdrawal symptoms. Medication-Assisted Treatment Options Talk with your doctor to find out what types of medication are available in your area and what options are best for you. Be sure to ask about the risk of relapse and overdose. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: findtreatment.samhsa.gov Opioid Treatment Program Directory by State: dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ directory.aspx Health Center Locator: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help: hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/ mental-health-parity/mentalhealth-and-addiction-insurancehelp/index.html Find Treatment Services Use these resources to find services that fit your needs: Methadone • Available as daily liquid • Can only be used in a certified opioid treatment program setting Buprenorphine • Available as dissolving tablet, cheek film, or 6-month implant under the skin • Can be prescribed by a doctor for use outside of a clinic Naltrexone • Can be prescribed by any healthcare provider who can legally prescribe medication • Only used for people who have not used opioids for at least 7–10 days Additional resources to access help: • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) • Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder • Facing Addiction in America | The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Fact Sheet

This fact sheet contains important information about treatment and recovery of opioid use disorder for patients, families and friends.

Download the fact sheet

What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than morphine. Many people are exposed to fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. Overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 in a 12-month period for the first time! 64%of these deaths involved synthetic opioids, mainly illicitly manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) (May 2020-April 2021). This is up from the more than 91,000 overdose deaths that occurred the previous year (December 2019-December 2020). Synthetic opioids (i.e., illegal fentanyl) appear to be the main driver of the 38.4% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020. Although the northeast region continues to suffer the highest overdose deaths, several regions of the country showed sharp increases in IMF related deaths. Northeast – 3/5% increase; 5,194 deaths Midwest – 33.1% increase; 2,010 deaths South – 64.7% increase; 4, 342 deaths West – 93.9% increase; 1, 852 death *In jurisdictions participating in State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) Fentanyl is impacting minorities at an alarming rate. Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest mortality rate due to synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2020. In addition, from 2013-2020, the highest changes in this rate were for: non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites. Overdose deaths involving IMF rose 47.6-fold among Non-Hispanic Blacks. Overdose deaths involving IMF rose 35.7-fold among Hispanics. Overdose deaths involving IMF rose 15.9-fold among Non-Hispanic Whites. You can help save lives – Carry Naloxone! An overdose can happen anywhere. If you suspect an opioid overdose, administer naloxone and get emergency medical assistance right away. Naloxone is a small, easy to carry medicine that rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Looking for Naloxone? Visit: naloxoneforall.org How to recognize the signs of an overdose A person will appear to be unresponsive; may have irregular breathing; may appear gray, blue, or have pale skin color; and may have very small pupils. How to reverse an overdose – Immediate action saves lives! Good Samaritan Laws protect you when you are trying to help someone in need. Call 911 immediately – call 911, or direct someone nearby to call and say that you are supporting a suspected overdose. Administer Naloxone – Even though the person is unresponsive: 1) announce that you are going to give naloxone 2) spray the naloxone in the person’s nose. Administer CPR – Tilt the individual’s head to make sure their airways are open. Apply chest compressions. Give Naloxone again – Administer additional naloxone if the person does not regain color or breathing, otherwise continue chest compressions, until help arrives. Remain calm and comforting – If the person is revived, remain calm and compassionate and encourage them to accept help or stay in a public place. Harm reduction is all about keeping people safe in a practical way. Simple tips are to: Carry Naloxone Never Use Alone Go Slow Test Your Drugs Test your drugs for fentanyl Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine the presence of fentanyl in your substance Even if your drugs test negative for fentanyl, use caution and remember the harm reduction steps to take.

What is Fentanyl? Infographic

This infographic was developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Download the infographic

Medications for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction Medications for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction are safe, effective, and save lives. The National Institute on Drug Abuse supports research to develop new medicines and delivery systems to treat opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, as well as other complications of substance use (including withdrawal and overdose), to help people choose treatments that are right for them. Medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for opioid addiction, overdose, and withdrawal work in various ways. Opioid Receptor Agonist: Medications attach to and activate opioid receptors in the brain to block withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Opioid Receptor Partial Agonist: Medications attach to and partially activate opioid receptors in the brain to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Opioid Receptor Antagonist: Medications attach to and block activity of opioid receptors in the brain. Antagonist medications that treat substance use disorders do so by preventing euphoric effects (the high) of opioids and alcohol and by reducing cravings. Antagonist medications used to treat opioid overdoses do so by reversing dangerous drug effects like slowing or stopping breathing. Adrenergic Receptor Agonist: A medication that attaches to and activates adrenergic receptors in the brain and helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Four cards show medications prescribed to reduce opioid use and cravings. Methadone is available in daily liquid or tablets. Naltrexone is available in a monthly injection. Buprenorphine available in daily tablet and weekly or monthly injection. Buprenorphine/naloxone is available in daily film that dissolves under the tongue or tablet. One card shows medication prescribed to treat withdrawal symptoms. Lofexidine is available as a tablet taken as needed. Two cards show medication used to reverse overdose. Naloxone is available as an emergency nasal spray or injection. Nalmefene is available as an emergency nasal spray or injection.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Infographic

This infographic shows different types of medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction.

Download the infographic

Are You Taking Medicine for Opioid Use Disorder and Are Pregnant or Thinking about Having a Baby?

This poster is for clients and their family members in OUD treatment who are pregnant or who are currently not pregnant but of childbearing age.

View the SAMHSA Poster

Webinars & Online Learning

Test your knowledge on what causes drug overdoses and how to save a life using naloxone.

To support linkage to care efforts for people at risk of overdose, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed Overdose Response and Linkage to Care: A Roadmap for Health Departments, a technical assistance tool informed by real-world experience. Attendees of this webinar will hear directly from health department staff implementing a variety of these linkage to care strategies to prevent overdose. These strategies can be adapted and replicated to meet the needs of communities across the country.

This Training is designed to educate mandated reporters on opioid misuse and abuse and how to report to Nevada Adult Protective Services if you suspect abuse of vulnerable adults.

SAMHSA’s practitioner training offers tools, training, and technical assistance to practitioners in the fields of mental health and substance use disorders.

Current News & Research

DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use.

Southern Nevada Health District calls attention to xylazine risk

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging heightened public awareness of the health dangers associated with xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the country’s illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths throughout the United States. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is not approved for human consumption. It can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids such as fentanyl.

The Opioid Epidemic’s Toll on Children

This article from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discusses the opioid epidemic’s toll on children.