Every month, we’re bringing you the top news in addiction treatment and justice services from publications around the country.
Addiction treatment | Justice services | What we're reading
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Trained peers shown to be effective at preventing opioid overdoses
Overview
Research shows that an effective follow-up for ER patients who've experienced opioid overdose is support from others who have personal addiction experience. "The results of our trial strongly suggest that trained peers, and the sort of sustained support they deliver, are just as effective at preventing opioid overdoses as the support offered by traditionally trained clinical social workers," said lead study author Laura Chambers, an assistant professor at Brown University School of Public Health.
Peer support can be beneficial for the individuals both giving and receiving support, as well as the professional support team who may be experiencing staff shortages or burnout.
Read more | Download our opioid abatement white paper
Opioid epidemic impacting users of stimulants
Overview
Last year, nearly 300 people died each day of opioid overdose. An increasing number of opioid overdoses also involve stimulant use. Risk of overdose among users of cocaine or meth is higher, in part, because of the lack of precautions being taken regarding the risk of fentanyl contamination (including carrying naloxone and testing drugs for fentanyl). This increased risk is being called by some the "fourth wave" of the US opioid epidemic.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $27.5 million in funding opportunities enhancing women’s behavioral health
Overview
The Department of Health and human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced notices of funding opportunities aimed at improving women’s behavioral health across the US, focusing on the unique mental health and substance use treatment needs of women.
A closer look
Available funding opportunities include:
Read more | Explore our gender-responsive curricula
APPA reveals national standards for community supervision
Overview
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) has released the first ever national standards for community supervision. These comprehensive standards are designed to guide community supervision agencies' services, policies and practices. A few topics covered include assessments and pre-release, effective interventions and performance measurement.
View the standards | Explore our community supervision solutions
First Step Act Town Hall video released for FBOP adults in custody
Overview
This town hall video released by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) aims to help those currently incarcerated, their loved ones and others invested in criminal justice reform understand the nuances of the First Step Act (FSA).
"At the heart of the FSA are key provisions on sentencing reform, conditions of confinement, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These initiatives prioritize evidence-based methods such as job training and mental health and substance use treatment, all designed to significantly reduce recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals."
Read more and watch the video | Explore the ReThink Now curriculum
Restoring Promise: Positive research results from a program that aims to transform correctional culture
Overview
A program from the Vera Institute of Justice and MILPA Collective has been shown to help reduce violence and limit the use of restrictive housing for young men experiencing incarceration, as evaluated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This program has shown promising early results for both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff. NIJ Director Nancy La Vigne said, “This landmark study gives us credible evidence that transforming prison culture to prioritize human dignity creates safer environments for all who reside and work in correctional facilities.”
Check out the Redesigning Life in US Prisons episode of the NIJ Justice Today podcast for more on this story.
Read more | Learn more about our BRAVE curriculum
This month we have a special What we will be reading feature: The Change Companies Senior Advisor and co-founder of motivational interviewing, William R. Miller, PhD, has a brilliant new book coming out in August.
8 Ways to Hope takes a fresh look at hope and its transformative potential. This concise, compassionate book explores eight different facets of hope that enable people to clarify their goals, envision new possibilities, find purpose, enhance motivation and persevere against tough odds. Dr. Miller guides you to reflect on your own relationship to hope and how you can cultivate it. Vivid personal stories, historical examples, and cutting-edge scientific findings reveal how choosing hope over fear can be a powerful force for change.