We think that every one of us knows a coworker, family member, or friend that struggles with substance use disorder and/or mental health illness. You can be the light in that person’s life by connecting them to local resources that can help them overcome their struggles. According to SAMHSA, “While there is no onesize- fits-all solution for helping a family member who is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with a mental illness, research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disord ers” (https://www.samhsa.go v/families).
The first resource that we want to share with you is the resources page for families coping with mental and substance use disorders.
On this page you will find videos, resources on how to start the conversation with your loved one, and information on the SAMHSA’s National Hotline (800-6624357).
This is a great starting point for anyone looking to help a loved one work through substance use disorder or mental illness.
Please visit https://www.samhsa.gov /families to get access to all these resources.
The second resource that we want to share with you is 988.
Anyone can call or text this number 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There will be a live person on the line in just a few seconds to help with any substance use disorder or mental health concerns.
If you want to help your loved one you can also call this number and get some guidance on steps to take.
The last resource that we want to share with you is www.OKIMREADY. org. On this website you can find local treatment options for substance use disorder and you can order Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
Also, on the website you can locate local Narcan vending machines and find information about Tough As A Mother .
There is a lot of negative judgement and actions against substance misuse, especially during pregnancy.
This stigma often prevents expectant parents from even asking questions about substance use with their healthcare providers.
In response, ODMHSAS has begun the Tough As A Mother hotline (405-820-1199) to help answer questions and get parents the resources they need, without the stigma and judgment.
The TAAM hotline is staffed by women who have lived experience with substance misuse and the stigma surrounding parenthood and pregnancy and found recovery.
If you want to get involved in local substance misuse prevention efforts in your community, please contact kendra@swoda.org and she will get you connected to the coordinator that works in your community.
We welcome people whose lives have been negatively impacted by substance misuse, your voices are valuable and powerful.
This program is funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, SWODA, and local coalitions.
RESOURCES Resources for families coping with mental and substance use disorders. SAMHSA. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov /families