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Prenatal substance exposure is a significant public health problem that can lead to multiple negative consequences for infants and their families. Although multifaceted care is critical for the health and well-being of both parents and their children, there are barriers to pregnant individuals receiving care for substance use.

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The stigma and punitive policies surrounding substance use disorders can pose a significant obstacle for pregnant individuals and families in seeking care for their substance use disorder - care which could prevent detrimental outcomes associated with untreated addiction for individuals and their children.

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Civil commitment for substance use disorders (SUD) involves the mandatory enrollment of people in abstinence-focused treatment. In the United States, 35 states and the District of Columbia have such commitment laws for people with SUD. This fact sheet focuses on the effects of civil commitment on people with SUD.

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Prescription opioid misuse can increase the risk of dependence and is one driver of the opioid epidemic. From 1999 to 2020, more than 263,000 people across the country died from overdoses directly involving prescription opioids.

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As the opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health crisis with record-breaking deaths, policies that promote services for people with substance use disorders (SUDs) beyond clinics and in-patient facilities can help support treatment and recovery.

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In 2021, more than 240,000 people in the United States died from drug overdoses and excessive alcohol use. Policies that prevent deaths from substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) include increasing access to treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support.

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For our March episode, we explore the Pennsylvania Coordinated Medication-Assisted Treatment Program, or PacMAT, which builds evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for Pennsylvanians suffering from opioid use disorder. Currently, there are 14 PacMAT centers throughout Pennsylvania that utilize a hub-and-spoke model.

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Excessive alcohol use costs the US an estimated $249 billion each year.[1] The COVID-19 pandemic has affected young people in ways that may increase their risk for heavy alcohol use.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unique challenges for parents with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although some barriers have been alleviated (e.g., medication assisted treatment is more accessible for some and telehealth is broadly available), COVID-19 has still resulted in barriers to support for parents with SUDs.

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Excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States[i] and has been made worse by the stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What is there left to say about the opioid crisis that has not already been said? It’s claimed thousands of lives, torn apart families and communities, strained our country’s already fractured healthcare system, and cost the economy billions, perhaps trillions, of dollars. If burning a path through communities for the last twenty years was not enough, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many individuals and families to endure joblessness, potential homelessness, and other uncertainties, causing a spike in substance use and subsequently, overdoses.

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The Coronavirus has forced many families to make significant changes in their daily lives, limiting access to important resources that strengthen family functioning and well-being.

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The fast-moving Coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19) has numerous implications on the health and well-being children and families.

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Social Isolation Exacerbates the Severity of Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

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Improve Access to Items Needed to Reduce Harm Associated with Opioid Misuse.

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Addiction is a complex disease, and there is no “one-size fits all.” Treatment should be personalized, measure progress over time, and develop a long-term strategy for continuing care after treatment.

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Many women who use substances are mothers with minor children or are of reproductive age.

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We gathered the following information to respond to general interests related to substance use treatment, abstinence, and prevention.

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Panel proposes using evidence-based analyses to determine best approaches

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Diversion Programs at the Intersection of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

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Intersections of Child Welfare and Substance Abuse: Strategies for Supporting Families

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Chemical Reactions: Marijuana, Opioids, and Our Families

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Juvenile Justice: Investing in Success

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Substance Abuse Prevention: Policies, Programs and Strategies for Virginia’s Youth

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Foster Care: Challenges and Policy Issues

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Educating with Peers: Others Do – Should You?

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Building Resiliency and Reducing Risk: What Youth Need from Families and Communities to Succeed

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Programs and Policies to Prevent Youth Crime, Smoking and Substance Use: What Works?

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Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs