Tag: SAMSHA

Finding the Path Forward: How Objective Screening Supports National Recovery Month

Every September, National Recovery Month serves as a vital reminder that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people do recover. Across schools, healthcare facilities, and justice systems, professionals work tirelessly to help individuals overcome substance use disorders. However, early detection and clear insight remain two of the biggest hurdles to starting that journey.

Identifying substance use issues early—and without bias—is critical to guiding individuals toward appropriate care.

The Role of Objective Assessment in Recovery

Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all process. Effective support relies on accurate, evidence-based tools that help practitioners see past defensiveness, denial, or fear.

  • Bypassing Resistance: Individuals who are hesitant to disclose substance use often minimize their symptoms. Standardized screening instruments provide objective data that helps clinicians start honest conversations.
  • Informing Targeted Interventions: By distinguishing between low or high probability of a substance use disorder, practitioners can route individuals to the exact level of care they need.
  • Supporting Early Identification: In settings like high schools, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and community corrections, identifying early warning signs allows for proactive help before crises escalate.

Moving Forward Together

National Recovery Month is a time to honor the resilience of individuals in recovery and recognize the dedication of the professionals who support them. Having the right tools in place ensures every individual gets a fair, accurate start on their path toward lasting health and independence.

Recovery Begins with Being Seen

Recovery is rarely a straight line, and it almost never starts in the same place for any two people. It begins in quiet moments—a decision to seek help, a conversation with someone who listens without judgment, or the realization that a different future is possible.

During National Recovery Month, we celebrate the courage it takes to step onto that path and honor the strength of those walking it every day.

  • Healing starts with understanding: Before treatment, coping strategies, or support networks can take root, an individual needs to be seen clearly and met right where they are.
  • Hope is a shared effort: Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in communities, families, and spaces where people feel supported rather than defined by their struggles.
  • Every step counts: Whether it is day one or year ten, every effort toward wellness and stability is a victory worth recognizing.

To anyone currently on the journey, supporting a loved one, or helping others find their way: recovery is real, it is achievable, and your story matters.

SAMSHA Survey 

June is National Pride month so we thought we would bring attention to the just released SAMSHA survey on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Results from the 2021 and 2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Behavioral Health. The results point to the heavy societal stressors of this minority population in regards to mental health and the overall use of substances as a significant coping response. 

The behavioral survey looks at any mental illness, serious mental illness, major depressive episodes, co-occurring AMI and SUD, suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts. 

The substance use survey covers cigarette smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, heavy alcohol drinking, illicit drug use, marijuana use, CNS, stimulants, cocaine, Rx stimulants, meth, opioids, inhalants, etc. 

Women often remain under the radar in terms of substance use even now, but the stats on Lesbians and Bisexual women might surprise you so take a look. 

The report is straight forward which means an easy and fast read.