Recent News

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth in the United States. The suicide rate for youth aged 10 to 24 increased 56 percent from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2007 to 10.6 per 100,000 in 2017 (Curtin & Heron, 2019). Many factors contribute to thoughts of suicide in this population, including depression, hopelessness, […]

This Holiday Resource Guide provides a one-stop-shop for approaching the holiday season in the midst of a pandemic. Learn to address grief and loss, social isolation, and other mental health concerns unique to the pandemic era, as well as celebrate with friends and family virtually or in small gatherings in accordance with CDC guidelines, utilize technology to host a […]

Happy December everyone! The holidays are here, and we wanted to share some words of encouragement to all of those who are striving for sober celebrations. #NHLATTC #NHLPTTC #Holidays #sobercelebrations #recoveryjourney #peersupport Disponible en Español ¡Feliz mes de diciembre a todos! Las fiestas están por comenzar, y queremos compartir algunas palabras de aliento a todos […]

This book is composed of SAMHSA’s “National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: Best Practice Toolkit” and related papers on crisis services. The toolkit reflects relevant clinical and health services research, review of top national program practices and replicable approaches that support best practice implementation. The related papers address key issues relevant to crisis services, […]

Americans celebrate many events with the use of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol has a prominent place at weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, holidays, and even funerals! The holiday season between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s creates a challenge for individuals working to maintain their recovery for multiple reasons. Seeing loved ones drinking can trigger drinking […]

SAMHSA recognizes the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 situation and is providing guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across the country. SAMHSA stands ready to assist in any manner possible.   Please find more information at: https://www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus 

Every family is unique, but all families share a bond that can be used to support one another during trying times. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for helping a family member who is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with a mental illness, research shows that family support can play a major role […]

  On October 27, 2020, Region 8 SAMHSA Administrator, Dr. Charlie Smith, the Mountain Plains ATTC, the University of Colorado National Mental Health Innovation Center, TRACKTech, and the State of Colorado Office of Behavioral Health brought together Region 8 leaders, innovators, and change agents to: 1) discuss evidence-based behavioral health technology to prevent and treat […]

These are strange and frightening times. The global outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted daily life in profound ways. An economic recession, political strife, and the toxic impacts of racism weigh heavily on many. And those of us who work in the “helping professions” have the honor and the burden of caring for others in the […]

The Addiction Health Services Research (AHSR) Conference brings together researchers, clinicians, policy makers, funders, and patient advocates dedicated to improving health services for individuals with, at risk of, or in recovery from addiction. The AHSR 2020 Conference may be over, but they are still hosting ongoing workshops presenting cutting-edge research. Head over to the AHSR Website for […]

This training series was provided by the New England region Opioid Response Network and Addiction Technology Transfer Center on behalf of and in partnership with Connecticut's TriCircle, Inc. and The Cove Center for Grieving Children. This series provided information on the unique and pronounced facets of grief in the wake of overdose deaths during the current […]

From NIDA: "In 2019, an estimated 750,000 young people between ages 12 and 25 received substance use treatment within the last year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Do you know someone struggling with substance misuse? Let them know that they aren’t alone. This inspiring music video features several young people who are currently […]

November is National Gratitude Month. NLBHA, NHL ATTC and PTTC and SPF teams are happy to deliver this gratitude message. Thank you to our families for supporting us in this work, to our colleagues for being steadfast partners, and to our communities for trusting us with this vital and meaningful work. Thank you! ¡Gracias! Obrigado! […]

Join us for these events celebrating Native American Heritage Month! “The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas. He fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild […]

MDHOPE   MDHOPE is a new opioid texting program that connect families in Maryland to treatment providers and other opioid-related resources. Text MDHope to 8-9-8-2-1-1 to get resources such as signs of overdose, overdose prevention tips, treatment options, safe disposal sites for unused prescriptions, and information about overdose reversal medication. Individuals can speak immediately with […]

Relationships are one of the main causes of relapse (Daley & Douaihy, 2015); thus, an essential part of recovery is helping clients develop healthy relationships. One definition of a substance use disorder is “a relationship with a chemical (drug) that serves as a substitute for true human intimacy.” (Sanders, 2019). Once clients learn to develop healthy relationships […]

The Mountain Plains ATTC Co-Director, Professor Thomasine Heitkamp, served as emcee for the virtual South Dakota METH SUMMIT III: CONNECTING TO SOLUTION on October 21, 2020, hosted by the South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations and Department of Social Services. This virtual event was invitation-only for providers of stimulant use disorder services specific to methamphetamines […]

The holidays are quickly approaching, for most people holidays are filled with joy and excitement but for some the holidays are filled with anxiety and stress. First Call invites those that would benefit from additional support and coping strategies throughout the holiday to join us for our “How to Cope with the Holidays” group offered […]

SAMHSA Resource | November 2020 Prevention and Treatment of HIV Among People Living with Substance Use and/or Mental Disorders This guide reviews interventions for people living with substance use and mental disorders who are at risk for or living with HIV. Selected interventions are in alignment with goals of the federal “Ending the HIV Epidemic: […]

  Join the Northwest ATTC on Wednesday, November 18 (12pm PT) when our director, Dr. Bryan Hartzler, offers an orientation to therapeutic principles and practices of contingency management. He will also provide a case example of its successful, customized dissemination to an opioid treatment program, as well as tips and resources for its implementation by […]

The 9th Dr. Mackey "Waktaya Naji" Award was presented by National AI & AN ATTC Co-Director, Sean Bear, to Kathyleen M. Tomlin PhD, LPC, LMHC, CADC III in recognition of her strong commitment to carrying forward the mission of Dr. Mackey through her work in pioneering the adoption and adaptation of Motivational Interviewing among Native American and […]

Vaping among youth is a serious public health issue. In the past decade, vaping has increased among all age and demographic groups and is more popular than traditional cigarettes among high school students. According to the joint Food and Drug Administration/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 28% of high school […]

The National American Indian and Alaska Native ATTC holds a regular Alcohol and Drug Certification Exam Preparation Course. We are pleased to highlight the success of two of the participants from our most recent August 2020 course:   Toni Handboy: "My name is Toni Handboy, I go by Red Bear to my family.  I am from the […]

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Office of Behavioral Health Equity posted a blog about the COVID-19 pandemic, its connection with mental health and substance use problems in the Latinx community, and community-driven strategies to address these multiple crises. Click Here to Read the Blog