Written by Nicole Schmitt of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services To address the needs of individuals at high risk for overdose and other medical complications associated with substance use, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services awarded contracts to …Continue Reading Uplifting Mental Health and Wellness
Written by Brittni Reilly and MaryKate Duska of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services The overdose crisis in Massachusetts takes a significant toll on communities. Since 2016, Massachusetts has lost approximately 2,000 lives a year to overdose deaths. The increased presence of fentanyl in the …Continue Reading Working to Prevent Overdose Deaths in Massachusetts
“Hi, I’m Jackie Bradley, Jr. of the Boston Red Sox, and this is my wife Erin,” begins the Gold Glove All-Star center-fielder. “The stigma of drug addiction can keep people from seeking the treatment they need,” continues Erin. “That’s why WE SUPPORT a state without …Continue Reading Now at Bat, In the Fight Against Addiction
For many parents, recent changes to marijuana laws in Massachusetts have caused confusion about the legal status of marijuana – and made discussions with their children about the recreational use of marijuana more complicated. To address this issue, the Department’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services …Continue Reading Struggling with how to talk to your child about marijuana?
In a report released Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that alcohol screening and counseling is an effective but underused health service. In fact, only 1 in 6 adults in the United States reported discussing alcohol use with a health professional. …Continue Reading How much is too much?
The holidays are upon us, which means lots of occasions to celebrate with family and friends. Are you planning to host a holiday gathering this year? If you are, in addition to choosing how to decorate your home and planning the menu, you get to …Continue Reading A Choice of Festive Drink Recipes
Yesterday, DPH staff was joined at the State House by Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz to announce the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program has reported its 2,000th overdose reversal in six years of operation. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, blocks the …Continue Reading DPH Announces 2,000th Narcan Reversal
You probably have to remind your teenager a few times to do their homework or take out the trash. The same goes for drugs and alcohol. Remind your teen that alcohol and other drugs are unhealthy, even if you’ve already talked about it. It might …Continue Reading Don’t Let the First Conversation about Drugs and Alcohol Be Your Last
When your teen improves their grades, or scores a run in their baseball game, do you congratulate them? Recognizing your kid’s accomplishments reinforces positive behaviors and has been shown to lower the likelihood they will use alcohol and other drugs. Many parents have found creative …Continue Reading Try positive reinforcement to help prevent teens from using drugs or alcohol
Summer is here and with it comes celebrations of all kinds such as beach days, barbeques and picnics with family and friends. In addition to good food and company, many of these festivities may include alcohol, so it’s important to remember that anyone who provides …Continue Reading Fun Ideas for Alcohol-Free Parties
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