Bimonthly Case Manager Newsletter

… Substance Use Disorder and Recovery March 16, 2023 The term "substance use" refers to all types of drug and alcohol use. It is used in place of the traditional label of "drug abuse" which perpetuates social stigma and judgment and can marginalize and alienate people from the supports they need. (Homeless Hub) How to Talk to Someone with a Substance Use Disorder It can be difficult to approach the topic of addiction to begin the process of recovery. Know that substance use disorder is a chronic disease that changes the brain and alters decision-making. Use stigma-reducing language. Click here to sign a pledge to use neutral words and reduce the stigma of addiction. Create a safe environment and do not accuse them. Realize that change will not occur overnight. Accept that this is a process. Be supportive through ups and downs. Create a clear treatment plan and reach out to centers for support. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, substance use is more prevalent in people who are homeless than in those who are not. In many instances, substance use is the result of the stress of homelessness, rather than the other way around. Many people begin using drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the pressures of homelessness. Click here to download the R.O.S.S. 24/7 Helpline flyer for more information. Local Resources The Recovery Resource Center (RRC) is a central resource hub helping clients start the recovery process by providing support services, education, and referrals to treatment. All services are voluntary and are offered at no cost to the client. The RRC assists clients in navigating complex system barriers preventing access to substance use information, treatment, and recovery resources.  Click here to connect with RRC. The Jefferson County Department of Health is offering free, 1-hour trainings on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to an opioid overdose by using naloxone. Naloxone is a prescription medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Opioids are substances such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain medication. Click here to sign up for the training. The Connect Alabama treatment finder app is a convenient resource that makes it easy to find out everything there is to know about treatment, such as, the types of treatment, what to expect, how much it costs, and how to get started. Anyone can browse through the app for information about mental health, substance use, prevention, treatment and the latest information on behavioral health services located in your area. Click here to download the app.  Let's Learn More Whole-Person Care for People Experiencing Homelessness and Opioid Use Disorder: A Toolkit -- Homeless & Housing Resource Center How the Opioid Crisis Affects Homeless Populations -- National Health Care for the Homeless Council Materials and information in this newsletter sourced from R.O.S.S., Recovery Resource Center, and Jefferson County Department of Health. Submit any newsletter topics or ideas that would be most beneficial to receive to info@oneroofonline.org.