substance-use-disorder

COMMENTARY

A syringe services program changed my life. It could help others if it’s expanded in Pa. | Opinion

BY: - March 16, 2023

By Kate Favata Syringe services programs are a lifeline for people who use drugs. They save lives, prevent disease and act as a bridge to treatment – it worked for me. I found my pathway to help through a syringe services program in Philadelphia. I know that I would not have had the chance at […]

Addiction treatment may be coming to a pharmacy near you

BY: - February 26, 2023

A Rhode Island study showed patients prefer pharmacies to doctor’s offices.

Pa. addiction specialists, lawmakers, and officials discuss addiction, settlement funds, stigma

BY: - December 16, 2022

The virtual roundtable ”to share their personal stories and discuss how their agencies’ efforts are making an impact” included state Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana; state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery; U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District; Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith; and Dr. Bernard James Costello, associate vice chancellor for Health Science Integration at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Nearly $19M in student loan repayment awarded to Pa. substance use treatment, case management professionals

BY: - December 5, 2022

To be eligible for the grant, candidates who were selected were required to demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as agree to a service commitment of two additional years.

Grant program to utilize $9M from opioid settlement for crisis services | Five for the Weekend

BY: - December 3, 2022

State officials said the goal of the grant program is to "provide an additional mechanism for counties to invest in infrastructure, staffing, programming, and other necessary components to establish or expand crisis stabilization services."

Experts, advocates discuss challenges facing ‘grandfamilies’ in Pa.

BY: - September 28, 2022

Natalie Hoprich, a grandmother raising two of her six grandchildren due to their parents’ struggle with substance use disorder, told lawmakers during a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing about her difficulty finding support and financial resources to help offset the cost of caring for her grandchildren. 

Online addiction treatment provider tool now available in Pa. | Five for the Weekend

BY: - July 16, 2022

Known as ATLAS (Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform), the online tool was created by Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to combat addiction in the United States.

Local agencies respond as overdoses surge in Allegheny County

BY: - July 11, 2022

According to data released by Allegheny County on Friday, annual overdose deaths have risen from 492 in 2018 to 719 last year. 

Pa. to start citing unlicensed recovery houses this week

BY: - June 5, 2022

The agency was granted that oversight through a 2017 state law, and licensing applications were made available through DDAP in December 2021. 

Philly lawyer found his higher calling by starting an org to combat addiction stigma

BY: - June 5, 2022

'Addiction is a family disease caused by ineffectively managed emotional pain,' Kevin Hyer said.

COMMENTARY

Pa. residents recovering from substance use disorder deserve safe, supportive housing | Opinion

BY: - May 25, 2022

Everyone’s recovery journey is different; but for many, one of the critical stops following treatment is moving into a recovery house.

State, local officials highlight addiction prevention efforts across Pa.

BY: - May 9, 2022

One of those leaders is Kristen Varner, administrator of Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Services. Varner said that her own success in long-term recovery from substance use disorder is largely due to “protective factors,” such as a continuous support from a “loving environment.”