Written By: Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator
Health care is one of the most prominent subjects in our nation’s discourse. When our discussions turn to substance abuse, one thing is abundantly clear – substance abuse prevention leads to better health.
 As we celebrate National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we need to keep in mind that:

Nearly 17 million people aged 12 or older are classified with alcohol dependence or abuse.[1]
Alcohol consumption is associated with approximately 79,000 deaths per year.[2]
Approximately 23 million Americans are current illicit drug …

Written By: Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
  October is Bullying Prevention Month and National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a busy and important time for prevention efforts.  On the surface, bullying and youth substance use may seem like separate problems.  However, from research, we know that youth who use substances are at risk for other problem behaviors during their teen years.  In fact, new findings suggest that middle and high school students who bully their peers are more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana.
Bullying and substance use …

Guest Post By:  R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
This October marks the second annual National Substance Abuse Prevention Month – an observance to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in individual and community health and to remember those who lost their lives to substance abuse.  The Office of National Drug Control Policy joins President Obama in celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and encourages prevention efforts this month and all year long to ensure the health of teens and young adults.
Millions of Americans …

Written By: Wilmarie Hernandez, Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
On August 15, SAMHA hosted a forum on Young People in Recovery (YPR).  The panel discussion, moderated by Ivette Torres, Associate Director, Consumer Affairs, featured three young adults, Sarah Nerad, Danielle Tarino and Benjamin Chin.
Sarah, Danielle and Ben shared their personal recovery stories as well as the programs and organizations that helped them in their recovery process.
“By the time I was in high school everything seemed normal on the outside and I knew that is what I needed to maintain …