Product Type: Print Media

Introduction to the Guide Helping individuals remain in treatment or continue to participate in recovery support services can be difficult. However, with advances in both technology and science, text messages can be used to increase engagement, enhance education about the individual’s condition, and help patients manage craving and other negative thoughts/moods. This step-by-step guide contains information for treatment and recovery support providers on how to use text messages to expand the reach of their services. The guide can be used in conjunction with the webinar or as a stand-alone resource. Below, please find a recorded webinar series that reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of text reminders and offer tips for providers to use to help patients remain in treatment and/or continue involvement with recovery support services. The downloadable manual will serve as the guide for the series that will demonstrate how to develop different automated texting sequences using a text message service provider platform.   Part I will provide an overview of evidence for the effectiveness of text reminders and tips; describe best practices for developing and sending automated text messages; describe the language of texting; and provide examples of effective text messages for both individual and group sessions. Click here to watch part 1  Download accompanying PowerPoint presentation slides: ATTC Text Message Webinar Pt 1.pdf   Part II will include a live demonstration on how to develop an automated texting sequence using a text message service provider and show a basic strategy for organizing and sending batch text messages. Participants will have the opportunity to subscribe and receive these text messages during the presentation. Click here to watch part two  Download the corresponding presentation slides: ATTC Text Message Webinar Pt 2.pdf   Please contact the Mountain Plains staff at [email protected] if you have questions or need assistance accessing the guide using the link included on this page. Both the webinar series and guide are available at no cost as part of the Mountain Plains ATTC training/technical assistance services, funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under United States Department of Health and Human Services.      The Language of Texting Poster: The Language of Texting Prompt/Reminder Poster was designed for display as 11x17 sized posters. However, we have also created 8.5x11 desk copies for in-house printing. These packages can be downloaded and printed by clicking  above and selecting either the 11x17 Language of Texting Prompt/Reminder Poster or 8.5x11 Language of Texting Prompt/Reminder Sheet.  

Provides an overview of resources and initiatives to address opioid misuse in Ohio. Information effective May 2019. 

Provides an overview of state resources and initiatives to address the opioid epidemic in Minnesota. Information effective May 2019.

    Drugs can alter the way people think, feel, and behave by disrupting neurotransmission, the process of communication between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Many scientific studies conducted over decades have established that drug dependence and addiction are features of an organic brain disorder caused by drugs’ cumulative impacts on neurotransmission. Scientists continue to build on this essential understanding with experiments to further elucidate the physiological factors that make a person prone to using drugs, as well as the full dimensions and progression of the disorder. This infographic is to assist special populations, providers and organizations in explaining specific neurotransmitters, their affects, and specific drugs that affect them. 

  Acronyms can improve memorability. Proper use of acronyms can benefit listeners. First and foremost among their benefits is increased memorability. Acronyms can also help form the culture of organizations, work groups, and professional disciplines. They can even shave a few seconds off the length of many communications.However, overusing acronyms unconsciously can be damaging and abusive to listeners. All too often, people aren't even aware of their acronym usage, nor have they thought about the appropriateness of using acronyms with a target audience. This deadly combination can result in: Confusion for — and alienation of — your listeners. Mistakes and disagreements based on false interpretations your listeners may make. Cheapened listener-perceived value of your products, solutions, and/or services. This infographic is to assist special populations, providers and organizations in understanding the most commonly used acronyms in public health, behavioral health, and addiction medicine. 

    Substance use disorders (SUDs) take a heavy toll on those who have them and on society more broadly. These disorders are often difficult to treat, and recurrence is common. Perhaps, because of these factors, these disorders are highly stigmatized worldwide. The purpose of this infographic is to examine empirical work intended to determine the impact of perceived social stigma and self-stigma on the process of recovering from SUDs with the assistance of formal treatment services. Qualitative studies confirmed that stigma experiences are common among those with these disorders and that these experiences can negatively impact feelings and beliefs about treatment.   

  Understanding addiction is essential to successfully addressing it. In this overview of substance use we discuss the spectrum of use, neurobiological responses to substances, signs and symptoms that explain the disorders, and the common definition of SUDs.  

      Infographic to explain what opioids are by definition, name, function, effect, and misuse.

  Infographic to assist special populations, providers and organizations in disseminating an infographic in myths versus reality of substance use. Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

Provides an overview of resources and initiatives to address opioid misuse in Michigan. Information effective May 2019. 

Provides an overview of resources and initiatives to address opioid misuse in Indiana.  Information effective May 2019.

Provides an overview of resources and initiatives to address opioid misuse in Illinois. Information effective May 2019.

Informed by the Region 8 Needs Assessment three priority areas have been used to inform Year 1 training and technical assistance events to date. For example, Enhanced Professional Learning Series (EPLS) on SBIRT, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Skill-based Videoconferencing (SbVC), and Technology-Based Clinical Supervision (TBCS) have been conducted throughout the Region. This report is a Year 1 Summary of Mountain Plains events used to inform our Advisory Board members of key events that occurred. 

In an effort to better understand the needs of providers in the region, Mountain Plains ATTC conducted a survey of SUD services in Region 8, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, to determine training/technical assistance needs. The survey was distributed using email list serves available through the Single State Authority (SSA) offices and through provider contact lists within the Mountain Plains ATTC database.

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and other stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Results from this survey will help Mountain Plains ATTC better collaborate with providers and stakeholders throughout the region in the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. 

Vietnam HIV - Addiction Technology Transfer Center - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HCMC (VHATTC-UMP) has been focusing remarkably on online training and distant TA activities. This approach is expected to be the future of VHATTC-UMP’s activities with support fonmo smart and hi-tech devices. This approach both helps to save costs and spread knowledge quickly, reaching to areas and facilities with limitation to access face-to-face training and TA. To make full and appropriate use of this model before actual implementation, VHATTC-UMP conducted a survey exploring the needs of clinics and their medical staff for online training and TA, taking it as evidence-based orientation to conduct and expand this model. The survey results have been published in the MedPharmRes Journal (Journal of Medical Pharmaceutical Research) of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, the first English international electronic journal of medical research in Vietnam. Please follow this link if you're interested in this topic: (English)MPR-2.4.2.TO.7-14 Read more: http://medpharmres.com/view/article/detail/40

HHSC RSS FY18 Interim Process Evaluation Report

Presenter Harold Gates included this handout as part of his webinar presentation, August 8, 2019: How to Sustain Cultural Competence and the National Standards for CLAS. This handout was produced by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 

Overview: Methamphetamine is the number 1 drug threat ranked by the Dallas, El Paso, and Houston DEA Field Divisions. Cocaine is ranked the number 2 and number 3 threat by the DEA Field Divisions. Pharmaceuticals, benzodiazepines, hydrocodone, and muscle relaxants remain problematic. Compared to other NDEWS sites, the number of fentanyl items seized and identified is increasing, but the number of cases involving heroin and fentanyl in combination is low, while the number of cases involving fentanyl and other opiates is high. The recent increase in the number of tramadol cases involved with other opiates is also a concern. Heroin in Texas is either black tar heroin or powdered brown heroin (diluted with diphenhydramine or other filler), with some white Mexican/South American heroin seen. Of the top 25 items seized and identified in Texas laboratories reporting to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS), heroin ranks #4, at 5.2% of all items identified, and fentanyl ranks #21 (0.21% of all items identified). Cannabis indicators remain steady, with problems most often seen in the trafficking of decriminalized cannabis products from Colorado through Texas. Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone poison calls have decreased but recent research by the author looking at treatment admissions and poison center call data has found statistically significant trends over time. The user population has changed from younger males hoping to use a cannabinoid that would not show positive in drug tests to an older population who are more likely to be experiencing homelessness and co-morbid psychological problems.