Addiction Treatment in Appalachia Highlighted at SAMHSA Symposium

A recent symposium that included the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressed the overdose crisis and addiction treatment in Appalachia.

One of the resources discussed was the value of peer support. SAMHSA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Dr. Art Kleinschmidt, mentioned how peers can intervene and help guide treatment for those newer to recovery.

Dr. Kleinschmidt feels this connection may be part of lasting sobriety for Appalachian residents impacted by addiction. Those in attendance included prevention practitioners, peer recovery support specialists, clinicians and leaders for the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

Discussing Recent Changes

SAMHSA has dedicated itself to partnering with local and state resources for genuine progress in fighting the overdose crisis in America.

During the event guests collaborated and discussed changes in overdose trends, gave presentations and focused on the increase in polysubstance abuse. The meeting highlighted recent innovations and data that contributed to new prevention approaches, funding availability and challenges to treatment.

Sharing Best Practices for Addiction Treatment in Appalachia

The symposium lasted for two days and involved sharing best practices and a vision for comprehensive addiction treatment in Appalachia that assists entire communities without barriers. It was an opportunity for the five states participating in discussions to come together and brainstorm for ideas to help these communities.

These attending members started designing multiyear and layered project demonstrations for state, local and federal teams to implement solutions that work and can be measured by their effectiveness. The goal was to offer real strategies that decrease addiction trends and polysubstance abuse and promote the overall health of their communities.

Although opioid addiction is a crisis that is still glaringly present, events like these symbolize the commitment and care numerous leaders extend all over the nation in combating the cycle of substance use.

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