Addiction Policy Forum

In just 5-10 minutes, this Overdose Crisis Community Decision Tool, developed by the HEALing Communities Study creates a custom list of evidence-based strategies to reduce overdose deaths that are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Learn more: bit.ly/4fJ6rBV

This toolkit, developed with Warren County, Ohio, helps adults who work with or support children impacted by a parent’s addiction. It provides practical information and guidance on how to recognize challenges and support children affected by parental SUD. bit.ly/3yd8gCu

A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found adults under 50 who use cannabis are more than 6× as likely to have a heart attack compared to non-users, with higher risks for stroke and heart failure. Read more: bit.ly/3R6QDi5

Evidence-based prevention programs can dramatically reduce substance use and substance use disorders. They’re also cost-effective and play a critical role in breaking the intergenerational cycle of addiction. addictionpolicy.org/post/the-impor…

Stimulant use is rising nationwide—and there are still no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder. Join us on April 10th at 1 PM EST for a clear, practical overview of diagnosis, emerging treatments, and proven approaches. Register here: bit.ly/4dxBkey

Through the NIH HEALing Communities Study, jails that partnered with local coalitions dramatically increased overdose education and naloxone access for people leaving incarceration—a time when overdose risk is especially high. Read more: bit.ly/4g5afim

Naloxone is a medication that reverses an opioid overdose if administered in time. In this Ask the Expert video, Dr. Alexander Walley answers key questions about naloxone and addresses myths about the overdose reversal medication. Watch here: bit.ly/3P60Hap

Opioid use among teens is a major problem. With prescription opioids often accessible at home, prevention starts with safe storage, education, and open conversations. Let’s work together to protect our youth. Check out our one-pager with more info here: bit.ly/3Zg1PgU

Learn about 7 Things Teachers Can Do to Prevent Addiction and how to prevent addiction among students with evidence-based strategies. Watch now: bit.ly/3FIW2JP

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is now appearing in synthetic products sold in gas stations and convenience stores. This webinar breaks down the latest research on its effects, risks, and the growing impact these products can have on individuals and families. bit.ly/40SVBnD

A new study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence introduces two validated tools to measure knowledge about substance use disorder. Improving how we measure knowledge about addiction can help address misinformation, reduce stigma, and support better access to carehttps://bit.ly/4sKxIu9

The teen brain is still developing—and understanding it can help young people make healthier choices. Protect Your Brain is a free, 30-minute course for middle and high school students that covers brain development, mental health, and prevention. Enroll: bit.ly/4b8KhZc

Law enforcement officers and prosecutors face exposure to trauma, stress, and high-stakes decision-making—factors that can increase the risk of burnout, substance use, depression, and PTSD. Watch this webinar on promoting wellness in justice agencies. bit.ly/4usNJXs

Opioid overdoses are still at alarming levels, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to a significant number of deaths each year. Learn more about naloxone and where to find it in your community: bit.ly/4lAjit0

APF joined a national letter calling on Congress to support Second Chance Act funding in FY27. These programs expand access to housing, employment, treatment, and other critical reentry services. Organizations are invited to sign on by March 11. bit.ly/4ljerO6

Adolescent cannabis use may increase the risk of mental health disorders later in life. A study of more than 400,000 adolescents found cannabis use was linked to a higher risk of psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders by young adulthood. bit.ly/3OT58Ir

Substance use disorders often start before age 18, which means prevention has to start early. Our Protect Your Brain pilot study found significant gains in youth knowledge about brain health, risk factors, and healthy coping skills. Learn more: bit.ly/4tWPhsr

Sleep problems are common in substance use disorders and untreated insomnia can lead to relapse. Research suggests suvorexant, an FDA-approved insomnia medication, may improve sleep and reduce withdrawal and craving without a misuse signal in early trials. bit.ly/4tO84pE

Community-engaged research is essential to reducing stigma and improving substance use outcomes. Chestnut Health Systems' CBPR Toolkit helps researchers build meaningful partnerships with Community Boards of people with lived experience. Learn more: bit.ly/4aUm9Jw

Stigma tied to substance use and criminal involvement remains a major barrier to treatment. A pilot feasibility study examined a multi-level approach targeting both staff attitudes and client self-stigma to improve treatment engagement. Read more: bit.ly/4l0rXWL