Products and Resources Catalog

This module aims to educate about harm reduction as an evidence-based public health approach to minimizing adverse health consequences and other events that may be experienced by people who use psychoactive substances.  Harm reduction strategies and how to put them into practice in the process of helping to achieve behavior change are discussed.

Este módulo tiene como objetivo educar al lector sobre la reducción de daños como un enfoque de salud pública, basado en evidencia, para minimizar las consecuencias adversas a la salud y otras áreas de la vida que pueden experimentar las personas que consumen sustancias psicoactivas.  Se discuten estrategias de la reducción de daños y cómo ponerlas en práctica en el proceso de ayuda para lograr cambios de conducta.

This series will provide a review of common crisis situations, overview of crisis intervention guidelines and strategies, and describe clinical responses to common behavioral health emergencies and crises in clinical practice. Session 2: Select Clinical Topics when Helping Clients Deal with a Crisis (September 12, 2023) Our speakers are Dr. Ken Winters, Dr. Jacque Gray, Nelda Huskie, and Dr. Kathy Tomlin. Join us to gain skills in handling crisis events. Click HERE to access the event recording.

On September 1, 2023, from 1-3pm CT, the National AI/AN ATTC will feature a third installment of its virtual Native storytelling series. This broadcast will include multiple AI/AN Storytellers sharing teachings, lessons, and oral knowledge passed down for thousands of years. Portions of this event may not be recorded to honor the culturally sensitive nature of these traditional stories and lessons.

    The ATTC Network hosted a webinar by Abt Associates as part of a recent SAMHSA Advisory.   Summary: The last decade has seen immense changes in digital health, with increased use of electronic medical records, mobile applications, and wearable devices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth expanded access to care for millions of people and was a critical resource to meet the behavioral healthcare needs of individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Digital therapeutics (DTx) are health software intended to treat or alleviate a disease, disorder, condition, or injury by generating and delivering a medical intervention that has a demonstrable positive therapeutic impact on a patient's health. DTx play an important role in facilitating care through technology. This webinar will introduce the audience to a recently released SAMHSA advisory on DTx and the benefits of their use in behavioral health. The webinar will describe research, regulatory, and reimbursement implications for DTx, selection and implementation considerations, and issues related to equitable access of DTx in behavioral health. Through a roundtable format, the webinar will also highlight one state’s success in integrating DTx into its service provision.   Watch Now: DTx Webinar SAMHSA Guide: DTx Advisory Slide Deck: DTx Presentation

This is a recording of the webinar presented 9-13-23 by JK Costello

  Treatment for Individuals who Use Stimulants TRUST A Protocol Using Empirically-Supported Behavioral Treatments for People with Stimulant Use Disorders     Purpose of the TRUST-MAIN Manual The authors of this manual have been involved in StimUD-related research, treatment, and training efforts for over 30 years. Over this period, the research on StimUD and its treatment has vastly increased and there is a great interest in better understanding StimUD and providing effective treatment for people who use cocaine and methamphetamine. We have produced this manual to promote the use of research-supported strategies for StimUD treatment. The manual attempts to combine a number of strategies into a framework that is appropriate for use by clinicians in settings where people with StimUD receive treatment. This manual is not intended to be a cookbook and the materials used and the framework for their use are not intended to be an inflexible, one-size-fits-all prescription. At the end of the manual, we list a variety of treatment materials (see Appendix) that can be added or substituted for the ones we are recommending. We provide the contents of this manual and the framework for combining these treatment materials as one example for how research-supported strategies can be combined into a structured treatment experience. The manual was developed at a time when CM with adequate incentives was considered impossible in the U.S. Hence, this manual was produced to offer a possible, albeit a non-evidence-based and certainly less effective alternative to CM. As evidence-based CM protocols using adequate incentives are increasingly being developed and implemented in the U.S., there is interest in having CM delivered within a framework of other evidence-based behavioral support. The use of the materials in the TRUST Manual to augment CM treatment is another possible use of the manual, either in the form of a 12-week framework, or as ad hoc behavioral support materials. The audience for the manual includes healthcare professionals who provide treatment services for individuals with StimUD. One category of these professionals who we particularly hope will benefit are therapists and other behavioral health clinicians who work in substance use disorder specialty care treatment programs. The manual has been written with this group in mind.   The manual intends to: Provide new information about the use and effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. Present several key clinical challenges that clinicians face when treating this population. Review the evidence-based treatment strategies for StimUD treatment. Discuss how motivational interviewing (MI) is central to the effective engagement of individuals in treatment and to assisting them with behavior change during treatment. Present how elements of community reinforcement approach (CRA) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to assist individuals with StimUD to reduce/discontinue their drug use and prevent relapse. Describe a procedure for incorporating positive incentives into the treatment milieu and/or support the use of CM for the treatment of StimUD. Provide information and guidance for how physical exercise can benefit individuals who are attempting to reduce/discontinue their use of methamphetamine and cocaine. Describe a plan for providing continuing care to assist individuals to sustain the progress they have made in a structured treatment program. List an array of manuals and training resources for other research-supported substance use disorder treatment approaches.   For those working with people receiving care for Opioid Use Disorder, an adapted version is available Treatment for Individuals who Use Stimulants while on MOUD TRUST—MOUD THERAPIST MANUAL & PATIENT WORKBOOK       Purpose of the TRUST-MOUD Manual The TRUST MOUD Manual is intended to be used with patients who are struggling with stimulant (cocaine/amphetamine) use while in treatment for OUD with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. Working with patients presenting in MOUD treatment is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding experience. While it is rewarding, it can also be frustrating. Stimulant use among these patients is common and many patients don’t see their use as problematic. In fact, for some patients who use stimulants sporadically, they may not need treatment. But certainly, for some patients on MOUD, cocaine/meth use is extremely detrimental to the effectiveness of their MOUD treatment and is a serious health problem. However, in many cases, regardless of the severity of use, the patients often don’t recognize their stimulant use as a problem, and they are not interested in intensive treatment. The materials in the TRUST MOUD Manual attempt to provide this patient population with a useful set of information in a format that they find acceptable. The materials adopt CRA, CBT, and MI content and present it in a clear and relevant form that addresses the challenges they face while in MOUD treatment. We try to avoid long, didactic, lecturing materials, but rather try to create accessible topics and examples. TRUST was developed with flexibility in mind to optimize patient engagement and retention. TRUST materials can be presented in 1:1 sessions and can be scheduled with patients or in on-going stimulant treatment groups. Topics can be presented in a sequence and frequency that lets therapists select content to meet patient needs. The 24 TRUST worksheets can be used in a flexible manner to be relevant and useful to patients. Consistency is important when using the TRUST Manual. Set and adhere to meeting days and times. Start and end sessions on time. If used in a group format, have some group participation guidelines. Adhering to a specific session format and timing will enhance patients’ understanding of the group/individual session process and will allow them to focus on acquisition of new material. Patients using stimulants will undoubtedly experience cognitive impairment as they participate in sessions and utilize the TRUST materials. Slowing down to allow patients to gather their thoughts and express themselves during group or individual sessions is important. In addition, using multi-media and repetition can be helpful for patients to grasp new concepts. Use of Motivational Interviewing as a fundamental style and interpersonal approach is essential to success when using TRUST materials. Ideally, TRUST session attendance should be paired with medication visit attendance to reduce the travel burden on patients. This is especially true in rural areas, where public transportation is non-existent, or when a patient has employment, education, or homemaking responsibilities. When possible, patients should have an opportunity to determine therapy visit days and times based upon their scheduling needs. Research has shown that aerobic exercise improves cognitive capacity, reduces depression and anxiety, and improves cardiac and pulmonary function for individuals with stimulant use disorder. Several of the TRUST worksheets discuss the benefits of exercise as part of a treatment effort to reducing stimulant use. Encouraging patients to exercise will also help them to manage emotional highs and lows and help them structure their day. Getting patients to exercise is often difficult and requires ongoing encouragement and support. The TRUST materials and their use with patients on MOUD should be used with a strong harm reduction foundation. The #1 priority for this group of patients is retention in treatment with MOUD. Participation in treatment activities with TRUST materials, when appropriate, should be encouraged, rewarded, and praised. In our opinion, requiring treatment attendance with TRUST materials, with a threat of MOUD discontinuation is never justified. In an era of lethal drugs including fentanyl, retention on MOUD is essential. Other harm reduction activities should be combined with TRUST materials. Access to safe injection supplies, ready access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and as new drugs emerge (e.g., xylazine), it is critical to provide new information and test strips as they become available. Many patients in MOUD treatment have multiple life challenges, including use of numerous drugs and alcohol, food insecurity, being unhoused, unemployment, as well as both mental health and physical health issues. To be successful, patients will need to be retained in treatment for a significant period of time, if not for a lifetime. These issues are not going to be resolved overnight, but rather through consistent and prolonged effort. We hope these materials can be useful to your work with patients on MOUD.   Authors Richard Rawson, PhD Richard A. Rawson, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and a Research Professor at the Vermont Center for Behavior and Health at the University of Vermont. He received a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from the University of Vermont in 1974. Dr. Rawson conducted numerous clinical trials on pharmacological and psychosocial addiction treatment and extensive system evaluation activities in a number of states and countries. He has led addiction research and training projects for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. State Department, exporting science-based knowledge to many parts of the world. Dr. Rawson has published 3 books, 40 book chapters, and over 250 peer-reviewed articles and has, for almost 50 years, conducted workshops, paper presentations, and training sessions in many areas of the world.   Albert Hasson, MSW Albert L. Hasson received his MSW from UCLA and has worked in the field of addiction medicine as a researcher and a treatment provider since 1977. Mr. Hasson participated in the development of the evidence-based Matrix Model, a cognitive behavioral intervention for StimUD Treatment, and established the Matrix Institute on Addictions, Los Angeles opioid treatment program. Along with his administrative and clinical experience, Mr. Hasson has extensive experience in implementing and evaluating behavioral and pharmacologic interventions. He has served as a project director and trainer for the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center at the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs.   Janice Stimson, PsyD Janice Stimson, PsyD, has worked in the field of addiction treatment since 1998. For 20 years she has worked at the Matrix Institute on Addictions in the role of Clinic Director, overseeing and managing the clinic, seeing clients and supervising staff. At the clinic private adolescent and adult treatment programs coexisted along-side national research studies. Dr. Stimson held key positions in those studies and was responsible for ensuring the success of fulfilling recruitment, training, supervision, and protocol requirements.   Michael McCann, MA Michael McCann, M.A., is one of the founders of the Matrix Institute on Addictions and creators of the Matrix Model. He has overseen the operation of Matrix clinics as well as the integration of many research projects within these sites. He has over 40 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment and research, and has authored or co-authored over 40 articles, books, and manuals. He has trained and lectured extensively on evidence-based behavioral interventions, pharmacologic treatments, methamphetamine dependence, opioid dependence, and on the implementation of evidence-based treatments into clinical practice   Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by Thomas E. Freese, PhD, Beth Rutkowski, MPH, Gloria Miele, PhD, and Valerie P Antonini, MPH. Christine Morgan provided invaluable support with the production of the manual, along with editing support from Victoria T. Norith and Benjamin Nguyen, MSW, CPH. The materials in this manual include content and worksheets from the Matrix Model Therapist Manual (SAMHSA, 2006); from the Community Reinforcement Approach, plus Vouchers Manual (NIDA, 2020).

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know.   Episode 1: Laura celebrates her recovery and the person she has become as a result. When her daughter was battling her own addiction, this veteran, divorced, gay mom had to advocate to get her daughter's other mom to be recognized in the healthcare setting.  Laura and her ex-partner were the first parents in MO to have a same-sex partner adoption, but even that legal distinction did not stop the discrimination this queer family faced when seeking medical care for their daughter.      

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know. Episode 2: Hector looked at his family and chose not to repeat those patterns.  Hector practiced abstinence into his young adulthood.  When he did start using, he practiced harm reduction.  As a queer, first-generation Hispanic immigrant, he has been able to put a voice to what so many in his culture could not do.    

Advice about how to gamble “responsibly” is widely promoted in many jurisdictions. However, until now, there has been no evidence-based, specific advice for people who gamble who want to reduce their risk of gambling harms. In 2016, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction began the first large scale international, comprehensive, multimodal project to develop evidence based Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGGs). Borrowing the same collaborative, evidence-driven approach used to develop the nation’s Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, the LRGG initiative produced a set of workable, evidence-based quantitative limits on gambling behavior to help people make informed decisions about their gambling. This project included collaboration with researchers in eight other countries, analysis of epidemiological data from over 60,000 people who gamble, consultation with a pan- Canadian, multi-sectorial advisory committee made up of over 20 members, input from over 10,000 regular people who gamble via a national online survey, and qualitative data obtained from focus groups and interviews. This presentation from David Hodgins, PhD and Matthew Young, PhD described key deliverables from the LRGG project including the lower-risk limits for expenditure, frequency and number of types of games. It also presented a self-assessment quiz, a suite of posters and other knowledge mobilization tools that are freely available to those who with use or promote the guidelines (https://www.gamblingguidelines.ca). Sponsored by the Northwest and Pacific Southwest ATTCs and the Western States Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN). Download slides | View recording

Please join us for this special three part interactive webinar series beginning July 14, 2023 from 12-2pm CT, as Jim Wikel (Seneca-Cayuga), Abraham Bearpaw (Cherokee), and Dr. Jennie Barnes present on the topic of self-care. Walking In Balance is a culturally centered self-improvement and prevention program. The curriculum blends traditional wellness practices with contemporary psychological knowledge and practical applications. The Walking In Balance curriculum is trauma-informed and adaptable to any program’s unique culture and needs. Participants will be educated and empowered to improve their situations through simple lifestyle changes. The program is designed to reduce risk factors for chronic physical and mental health conditions as well as increase resiliency.

Please join us for this informative 90-minute behavioral webinar from 12-130pmCST. Avis Garcia (Northern Arapahoe), PhD ,NCC, LPC, LAT, will discuss the issues related to the misuse of stimulants and the growing public health crisis across Indian Country. Additionally, the webinar will provide an opportunity for discussion of both well-studied and emerging practices in the management of stimulant use disorder treatment. The goal of this webinar is for participants to more confidently assess and manage the care of patients with stimulant use disorder.

Please join us for this special three part interactive webinar series as Jim Wikel (Seneca-Cayuga), Abraham Bearpaw (Cherokee), and Dr. Jennie Barnes present on the topic of self-care. This event took place July 21, 2023. Walking In Balance is a culturally centered self-improvement and prevention program. The curriculum blends traditional wellness practices with contemporary psychological knowledge and practical applications. The Walking In Balance curriculum is trauma-informed and adaptable to any program’s unique culture and needs. Participants will be educated and empowered to improve their situations through simple lifestyle changes. The program is designed to reduce risk factors for chronic physical and mental health conditions as well as increase resiliency.

This unique 4-part series, presented by the National AI/AN ATTC, provides the viewers with an opportunity to discuss strength-based cultural practices and Summertime AI/AN teachings to our peers, friends, and relatives.

This unique 4-part series, presented by the National AI/AN ATTC, provides the viewers with an opportunity to discuss strength-based cultural practices and Summertime AI/AN teachings to our peers, friends, and relatives. Session sub-topics TBA. This event took place on August 4, 2023.

Please join us for this special webinar series each Monday starting in August from 2-3:30pm CT. Mr. Doug Widow Jr. (Cheyenne River Sioux), Mr. Wakiyan Peta (Cheyenne River Sioux), and other Native American guests explore issues and ideas related to engaging AI/AN patients (relatives) in the treatment process along the continuum from evaluation to continuing care. A number of important issues will be addressed in this culturally informed interactive webinar. Topics may include grief/trauma/ loss, cultural awareness/ sensitivity, past generations, Western v. Indigenous approaches, cravings/ urges in early recovery, culture is recovery, and stories of experience, strength, and resilience. This event took place on August 7, 2023.

Please join us for this special webinar series each Monday starting in August from 2-3:30pm CT. Mr. Doug Widow Jr. (Cheyenne River Sioux), Mr. Wakiyan Peta (Cheyenne River Sioux), and other Native American guests explore issues and ideas related to engaging AI/AN patients (relatives) in the treatment process along the continuum from evaluation to continuing care. A number of important issues will be addressed in this culturally informed interactive webinar. Topics may include grief/trauma/ loss, cultural awareness/ sensitivity, past generations, Western v. Indigenous approaches, cravings/ urges in early recovery, culture is recovery, and stories of experience, strength, and resilience. This event took place on August 14, 2023.

This unique 4-part series, presented by the National AI/AN ATTC, provides the viewers with an opportunity to discuss strength-based cultural practices and Summertime AI/AN teachings to our peers, friends, and relatives. Session sub-topics TBA. This event took place on August 18, 2023.

Please join us for this special webinar series each Monday starting in August from 2-3:30pm CT. Mr. Doug Widow Jr. (Cheyenne River Sioux), Mr. Wakiyan Peta (Cheyenne River Sioux), and other Native American guests explore issues and ideas related to engaging AI/AN patients (relatives) in the treatment process along the continuum from evaluation to continuing care. A number of important issues will be addressed in this culturally informed interactive webinar. Topics may include grief/trauma/ loss, cultural awareness/ sensitivity, past generations, Western v. Indigenous approaches, cravings/ urges in early recovery, culture is recovery, and stories of experience, strength, and resilience. This event took place on August 21, 2023.

Join us for ESAS: Group Counseling. This event took place on August 2, 2023. Click HERE to access the event recording.

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The September 2023 issue honors National Recovery Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Addiction Professionals Appreciation Day (September 20), and the 10th anniversary of the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement Blog! As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!

A reflection on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month and Hispanic Heritage Month will be featured in this issue by Dr. Susie Villalobos. This newsletter highlights the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which promotes awareness about suicide and suicide prevention among Hispanic and Latino populations. Please read to learn more about the resources we are highlighting this quarter, our upcoming events and projects, and more. THIS ISSUE 1 Dicho of the Quarter 2 A Reflection by Dr. Susie Villalobos 5 Highlighting the Experts American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 7 Quarterly Highlights, and Celebrations 8 Media Corner   9 Staff Contact Information Español En esta edición, la Dra. Susie Villalobos presentará una reflexión sobre el Mes de la Salud Mental y la Prevención del Suicidio y el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Este boletín destaca la Fundación Americana para la Prevención del Suicidio, que promueve la concientización sobre el suicidio y la prevención del suicidio entre las poblaciones hispana y latina. Lea para obtener más información sobre los recursos que destacamos este trimestre, nuestros próximos eventos y proyectos, y más. EN ESTA EDICION 1 El “Dicho” del Trimestre 2 Una Reflexión de la Dra. Susie Villalobos 5 Destacando a los Expertos: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 7 Puntos Destacados del Trimestre y Celebraciones 8 Rincón de los Medios   9 Información de Contacto del Personal

September 2023 Dialogue – Addiction: Nurturing Purpose in Recovery: Unveiling Passions and Living Intentionally | MHTTC: Improving Suicide Prevention Strategies in Maryland | Prevention: National Suicide Prevention Month | ORN: Addressing Regional Needs. Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new publications/resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the HHS Region 3/Central East region. This electronic newsletter is disseminated bi-monthly on the first Tuesday. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter, [email protected].   Sign up to receive the Dialogue and our weekly training bulletin in your mailbox.   Visit the Dialogue Archives.

The New England ATTC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director, Dr. David Zelaya, presented the opening plenary session, “Incorporating an Intersectionality Framework to Understand the Impact of Racism and Heterosexism on the Health Disparities Encountered by LGBTQ+ People of Color” at the New England School of Best Practices. This interactive presentation offered an overview of tools to help behavioral health professionals understand how systems of oppression such as racism and heterosexism create unique health disparities (e.g., addiction and behavioral health care inequities) encountered by LGBTQ+ People of Color. • Explain two strategies to reduce these health disparities in the behavioral health setting.   Click the download button above to download the slides from this presentation.