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 …

Are strategies the same for preventing substance abuse and supporting recovery for service members, veterans and their families as they are for the civilian population?
You can find out on June 7th, from 2:00-3:30 (ET).  SAMHSA’s Military Families Strategic Initiative Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance Center is hosting a webinar that will provide suggestions for approaching the issue of substance abuse prevention and recovery support, addressing gaps, and removing barriers to building systems that are informed by military culture.  Michelle Cleary, Project Associate for the SMVF TA …

We mourn the tragic loss of life from the recent shootings in Seattle.  Our sympathies go to the families and loved ones of the victims as well as to the entire Seattle community.  SAMHSA also stands ready to be supportive with many resources to assist those coping with the aftermath of such tragedies.
SAMHSA works every day to help prevent such tragedies from occurring.  For example, SAMHSA sponsors the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  (Lifeline) which provides those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress get the help they need  The Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is …