SAMHSA Blogs

Here’s How to Support People with Both Eating and Substance Use Disorders

2026-01-21T12:00:00+0000

For a lot of Americans, eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are not distinct challenges. Many live with both.

SAMHSA Illuminates Paths to SUD Treatment

2026-01-05T12:00:00+0000

For many Americans, January is a time to reset and make changes that will improve their quality of life. Here at SAMHSA, the new year also kicks off Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month, our nationwide push to help Americans struggling with alcohol or drug addiction understand that sobriety is within reach and that there are many paths to recovery.

Feeling lonely? You are Not Alone: Tips and Resources for the Holiday Season

Christoper D. Carroll, M.Sc., SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary — 2025-12-19T12:00:00+0000

The holiday season is often associated with togetherness, celebration, and time spent with family and friends. Yet for many people, this time of year can also bring feelings of loneliness—whether from social isolation or from feeling disconnected even in the presence of others, even during festive gatherings or seasonal celebrations. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Release of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Leveraging the Latest Substance Use and Mental Health Data to Make America Healthy Again

2025-07-28T12:00:00+0000

Mental health, substance misuse, addiction, and their related health and social impacts such as overdose and suicide are dynamic and evolving.

Breaking the Silence: What Everyone Should Know About Eating Disorders

2025-02-27T12:00:00+0000

Nearly 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder during the course of their lifetime. Some of these conditions can be serious, and potentially even fatal. It’s critical to break the silence and raise awareness about this public health problem. This week marks National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and share messages of support and hope for those impacted. It also provides an opportunity to highlight available resources for those looking for help.

Substance Use Disorders Treatment Options

2025-01-21T12:00:00+0000

Many people make new promises to their health and well-being at the beginning of the year. To emphasize the value of expanding access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), SAMHSA is launching “SUD Treatment Month” in January. This annual observance will be dedicated to spreading awareness about the effectiveness and availability of SUD treatment, giving people hope, and connecting individuals to treatment services and recovery supports that can improve their health and make their lives better.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?

January is the Perfect Time to Pursue Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder

Sylvia Las, M.P.H., Public Health Analyst, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment — 2025-01-02T12:00:00+0000

“New year, new me!”
This common phrase, echoed each year in January, embraces the air of change that comes with a new year. While it is not necessary to wait until a new year to make changes for our health, January is a time for fresh starts.

Embracing the spirit of opportunity and change, January 2025 will mark SAMHSA’s first annual Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month. Each week in January will feature a theme:

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

2024-12-20T12:00:00+0000

December is a month of transition, as many communities across our country make the shift from cool, bright autumn days to longer, colder nights. As we busily prepare for upcoming meals and seasonal celebrations with friends and family, it is an apt time to reflect on what home means to us. Protection from the elements, a place to store our treasures and life’s necessities, a site of belonging and being with the people we love, somewhere soft to lay our head each night, and a place we can return to ourselves day after day – home can mean so much.

SAMHSA Commits to Sustaining and Accelerating HIV Progress

2024-12-18T12:00:00+0000

World AIDS Day, established in 1988 and observed annually on December 1, is a day to commemorate the 42 million people globally who have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic, and honor the more than 39 million people including 1.2 million Americans, living with HIV around the world.

More than Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Lucy Roberts, Ph.D., Public Health Advisor, CMHS — 2024-12-09T12:00:00+0000

Meet Analise. Analise has a fulfilling life: a loving family, supportive friends, a meaningful career, financial stability, and optimistic plans for the future. Yet this year, as cooler weather creeps in and days become shorter, Analise finds herself consumed by fatigue, craving sweets, and feeling a sense of dread.

Shining a Light on Bereavement and Grief: SAMHSA Recognizes National Grief Awareness Week

2024-12-02T12:00:00+0000

Grief, in many ways, is a universal experience. In the United States alone, millions of people experience grief and bereavement each year due to a variety of reasons, including the loss of loved ones or experiencing a traumatic event, illness, disaster, or violence. The number of individuals reporting grief and bereavement has increased in recent years, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose epidemic, and elevated rates of suicide.

National Family Caregivers Month

Carol W. Cecil, MAEd., Public Health Advisor, Office of Recovery — 2024-11-26T12:00:00+0000

National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Family caregivers are defined as family members or someone who is identified as “family” who provide assistance and support to an individual with a chronic health condition – including mental health and substance use conditions, disability, or functional limitation.

Methamphetamine Awareness Day

2024-11-25T12:00:00+0000

Methamphetamine* is one of the most common illicit drugs used in the United States and worldwide, and its use is spreading.

What is methamphetamine?

2024 National Rural Health Day: Empowering Rural Resilience

2024-11-21T12:00:00+0000

For National Rural Health Day, SAMHSA celebrates the unique strengths of rural communities. SAMHSA empowers rural resilience by providing resources and tools that address behavioral health; supporting rural communities' ability to mitigate, adapt, and recover from stressors; promoting behavioral health equity; and building and retaining a diverse, robust, and resilient behavioral health workforce.

The Importance of Disaster Behavioral Health: Why it Matters

2024-04-01T12:00:00+0000

From devastating wildfires, tornadoes, and mudslides to mass shootings and terrorist attacks, it’s almost impossible to turn on the news these days without seeing a report about another disaster. Natural and human-caused disasters are increasing in frequency, duration, and severity.

The Foundation of Mental Health: It Starts at Birth

2024-03-15T12:00:00+0000

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is the Foundation of Life

Creating Change and Acknowledging Failure

David Awadalla, M.S.W., BSHP, Office of Recovery — 2023-12-04T12:00:00+0000

Tyler’s Journey Through the Criminal Legal System

“He’s dead, David. He’s dead. He’s dead.”

Those frantic, dreadful words echoed through my mind, on repeat.

‘David’—that is me. ‘He’—that’s my friend, Tyler. Or I should say ‘was,’ as of September 5, 2023.

World AIDS Day: SAMHSA Highlights Innovation to End the HIV Epidemic

2023-12-01T12:00:00+0000

World AIDS Day provides a yearly call to action for us to work collaboratively to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and worldwide. This year marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day, a milestone that gives us the opportunity to commemorate those we have lost to AIDS-related illnesses; to honor the more than 40 million people around the world, and more than 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV; and to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing, prevention, care, and treatment.

Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

2023-11-27T12:00:00+0000

In the 2003 holiday movie classic, “Elf,” the main character, Buddy, shares a particular fondness for the holiday season, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” No matter what traditions you celebrate this winter, not everyone shares Buddy’s enthusiasm for this season. While the holidays can be a time of celebration and joy for many, it also can be a period of stress, sadness, and loneliness for others—and sometimes can be particularly difficult for people living with mental health and substance use conditions.

Honoring National Rural Health Day

2023-11-16T12:00:00+0000

On November 16, we observe National Rural Health Day, a time to recognize the approximate 65 million people, or one in five Americans, living in rural America and the potential barriers to healthcare they might face. While rural areas have more land area, fewer people, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of community, residents often face barriers in accessing healthcare services needed to reduce disparities between rural and urban health outcomes.

“Talk. They Hear You.”® Celebrates 10 Years of Preventing Underage Substance Use

2023-09-29T12:00:00+0000

This year, “Talk. They Hear You.”® celebrates its 10th anniversary. SAMHSA’s national prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use.

Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead

Sunny Patel, M.D., M.P.H., Center for Mental Health Services — 2023-08-17T12:00:00+0000

As the heat of the summer reaches its peak, and (hopefully soon) gives way to the cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and youth to return to school. This transition — filled with excitement, anticipation, and some natural apprehension — is an annual ritual for millions of students across our nation. As we prepare for the new academic year, it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health.

On Having Disabilities

Steven Fry, M.S., CPXP — 2023-07-26T12:00:00+0000

May 10, 2011, was a beautiful spring day in Connecticut. I was idling in a traffic jam on my way home from work. Then, from the other direction, a pick-up truck going 80 miles per hour suddenly veered into my lane and struck my car head on. Just before I passed out from shock, I watched the meadows of Coventry recede in the distance as the helicopter carried my shattered body to St. Francis Hospital. I was later told that I flatlined twice on the trip.

Happy Mother’s Day

Elizabeth Sweet, Office of Recovery — 2023-05-12T12:00:00+0000

Mother’s Day: a day to celebrate the mothers in our lives, the one who gave birth to us, the one who adopted us, the one we picked to be our mother or who volunteered to step up for the role because ours was not available to us, an aunt, a grandmother, friend, or foster mother.

Cancer Prevention and Heart Health — What Role Does Alcohol Play?

2023-02-01T12:00:00+0000

February is Cancer Prevention Month and Heart Health Month. Many people are aware of risks (such as tobacco, unhealthy foods and beverages, and lack of exercise) for cancer and heart disease. Do you also know about the risks posed by alcohol?

The Gift of Sober Driving

2022-12-08T12:00:00+0000

During the holiday season, many of us look forward to get-togethers with friends and family. Unfortunately, holidays can also be a dangerous time for alcohol- and drug-related traffic incidents. SAMHSA is observing National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in December to raise awareness of this deadly yet preventable problem.

Since the early 1980s, public policy changes, school and community interventions, and grassroots advocacy have significantly decreased alcohol-related driving fatalities. Yet, driving impaired (by alcohol or other drugs) continues to take lives.

On World AIDS Day, SAMHSA Reaffirms Commitment to End the HIV Epidemic Through Equity & Innovation

2022-12-01T12:00:00+0000

Observed annually on December 1st since 1988, World AIDS Day gives us the opportunity to commemorate those we have lost due to AIDS-related illnesses. It also gives us the opportunity to honor the more than 38 million individuals living with HIV around the world. This year, we observe World AIDS Day in the context of our ongoing response to COVID-19 and monkeypox, which disproportionately impact many of the same communities most affected by HIV/AIDS. The U.S.

Supporting the Behavioral Health Needs of Our Nation’s Veterans

2022-11-08T12:00:00+0000

On Veterans Day, we set aside time to honor the contributions of those who have served. Throughout our nation’s history, millions of Americans have answered the call to uniformed service, and they often continue to lead in their communities once they are out of uniform. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition out of active-duty service and return to civilian life.

Suicide Warning Signs and Prevention Strategies for Older Adults

Walker Tisdale III, M.P.H., M.A., LMSW — 2022-09-28T12:00:00+0000

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults (age 65 and over) represented 16 percent of the total U.S. population in 2019. And in 2020, older adults ages 50 to 85+ accounted for 19,968 deaths for a crude rate of 16.86 per 100,000 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Recognizing this population is disproportionately affected, it’s critical that we address suicide prevention in this group of Americans.

National Preparedness Month: Planning for Disasters and Emergencies

2022-09-13T12:00:00+0000

Scanning the recent headlines of some of the nation’s major news sources provides a timely reminder that September is National Preparedness Month, a time for individuals, families, providers, organizations, and communities to focus on making a plan and getting ready for the hazards they may encounter at any time of the year.

In Celebration of the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

2022-07-26T12:00:00+0000

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Considered one of the most sweeping and comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation ever passed, it “prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life….

On National HIV Testing Day, SAMHSA Encourages Everyone at Risk for HIV to Get Tested

2022-06-27T12:00:00+0000

HIV Testing is Self-care: Testing is key to ending the HIV epidemic

Monday, June 27, 2022, is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), an opportunity to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. The theme is “HIV Testing is Self-care.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once per lifetime as part of routine health care.

SAMHSA Recognizes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

2022-06-27T12:00:00+0000

Although often associated with combat veterans, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can impact any person of any age after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such traumatic events might include military combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or severe accidents.

Promoting Alcohol Misuse Prevention this April

Jeffrey A. Coady, Psy.D., ABPP, SAMHSA Region 5 Administrator — 2022-04-20T12:00:00+0000

Studies indicate that drinking can interfere with normal brain development¹. Drinking is also associated with decreased school performance², increased involvement with the legal system³, use of other substances⁴, and greater risk of injuries, including death from motor vehicle crashes.⁵

LGBTQI+ Youth – Like All Americans, They Deserve Evidence-Based Care

2022-03-30T12:00:00+0000

“Affirming a transgender child’s identity is one of the best things a parent, teacher, or doctor can do to help keep children from harm….” President Biden

Making Prevention a Priority During National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week

Jeffrey A. Coady, Psy.D., ABPP, SAMHSA Region 5 Administrator — 2022-03-14T12:00:00+0000

Recent research tells us that how youth and young adults perceive harm from drugs and alcohol is often wrong. SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2020 shows that 57 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 did not think there was great harm in having five or more drinks once or twice a week. Even more concerning is that as many as 62.6 percent of those in that age group did not think it was very harmful to smoke marijuana once or twice a week.

Socializing Safely This Season: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Jeffrey A. Coady, Psy.D., ABPP, SAMHSA Region 5 Administrator — 2021-12-20T12:00:00+0000

December. As individuals, we look forward to getting together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. It’s also a time when prevention can play an especially important role. December is a deadly month for impaired driving.

SAMHSA Observes World AIDS Day with Renewed Commitment to Ending the HIV Epidemic

2021-11-30T12:00:00+0000

Observed annually on December 1 since 1988, World AIDS Day allows the global community to unite with one voice to commemorate the people who have lost their lives to AIDS, show support of people living with and affected by HIV, and raise awareness for the continued importance of HIV prevention, care, and treatment. This year, World AIDS Day is especially poignant because 2021 marks 40 years since the beginning of the HIV epidemic.

Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month

2021-11-30T12:00:00+0000

November is federally recognized as National Native American Heritage Month (NNAHM). During this month, American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are honored and celebrated for their rich and varied cultures, traditions, history, and societal contributions. NNAHM gives us an opportunity to become more educated about Native Americans, increase our knowledge of unique challenges faced by this population, and better understand how historical trauma—such as colonization and genocide—has impacted Native peoples.

Helping Your Children Build Resilience to Substance Use

Jeffrey A. Coady, Psy.D., ABPP, SAMHSA Region 5 Administrator — 2021-09-29T12:00:00+0000

For many parents having their child return to school feels more significant this fall, with many schools opening for in-person learning following COVID-19 related closures or disruptions over the past 18 months. And while schools adapted to bring students back into the school building, parents and students had to navigate the challenges and emotions that accompany this transition.

SAMHSA Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the AIDS Epidemic

2021-06-03T12:00:00+0000

40 Years of Progress – It’s Time to End the HIV Epidemic

June 5th marks 40 years since the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS were officially reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). June 5th also is observed as HIV Long-Term Survivor’s Day.

Alcohol Misuse Prevention: A Conversation for Everyone

Dona Dmitrovic, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) — 2021-05-07T12:00:00+0000

The global coronavirus pandemic has forced us to learn new ways of doing many things. Employees in some job sectors learned to work from home, while others had to find entirely new sources of income. Parents learned to be teachers for their kids, while teachers themselves learned to do their jobs in less-than-ideal remote environments. We figured out how to use technology to celebrate birthday parties, host award shows, and even conduct a presidential inauguration.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by Prioritizing Your Mental Health

Office of Behavioral Health Equity — 2021-03-24T12:00:00+0000

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to take time to celebrate the diverse, brilliant women across this nation who keep everything going at home and work, within community organizations and faith institutions, and in every aspect of life. We celebrate the women from our history who have helped to shape us as individuals and as a nation. We hope this note speaks in a positive way to every woman who reads or is served by this message.

New SAMHSA Guide Highlights HIV Prevention and Treatment for People with Substance Use and/or Mental Disorders

HIV.gov — 2021-02-04T12:00:00+0000

The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released Prevention and Treatment of HIV Among People Living with Substance Use and/or Mental Disorders, a guidebook that addresses the co-occurrence of HIV and mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD) and reviews effective programs and practices to prevent HIV and, for those with HIV, to increase linkage and retention to care in order to improve h

On World AIDS Day, SAMHSA renews commitment to end the HIV epidemic

2020-12-01T12:00:00+0000

Established in 1988, World AIDS Day allows the people of the world to show support for people living with and affected by HIV, and to commemorate people who have lost their lives to AIDS. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an urgent reminder that pandemics can devastate communities, lives, and livelihoods. The theme for World AIDS Day 2020 is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.” We at SAMHSA have seen how the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the challenges faced by people living with HIV, substance use disorder, and mental disorder.

On World AIDS Day, SAMHSA reaffirms commitment to Ending HIV Epidemic with support from partners

Dr. Neeraj Gandotra, M.D., Chief Medical Officer — 2019-11-29T12:00:00+0000

SAMHSA is one of several collaborating HHS agencies leading the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. SAMHSA’s goal is to improve prevention, increase testing frequency, and increase referrals and support linkage to HIV treatment when necessary. SAMHSA has concentrated 70 percent of the Minority AIDS initiative grantees within the 48 identified areas with the highest number of new HIV cases. These grantees of the MAI are required to request HIV testing on all individuals upon intake/enrollment and provide linkage to confirmatory testing and services upon positive results.

Opioid and Illicit Drug Use Among the Hispanic/Latino Populations

2019-10-15T12:00:00+0000

SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 1.1 million Hispanic/Latino youth used illicit drugs in the past year, including 208,000 who misused opioids in the past year. The rates of substance use among this population places them at a greater risk for engaging in unsafe sexual practices linked to Human Immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Alarming Suicide Trends in African American Children: An Urgent Issue

Roslyn Holliday-Moore, M.S., Public Health Analyst — 2019-07-23T12:00:00+0000

The suicide rate among African American children aged 5 to 11 years has increased substantially since 1993 and is persisting, according to Dr. Jeffrey Bridge, a leading researcher at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In 1993 suicide ranked as the 14th leading cause of death among this population. Today it’s the 10th leading cause of death—with rates nearly twice that of their White counterparts. While it is not intuitive and is difficult to understand, suicide ranks as a leading cause of death among all youth aged 5-11 years. Dr.

Destigmatizing Mental Health in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

2019-05-22T12:00:00+0000

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing population in the United States, representing numerous cultures, histories, languages and socio-demographic characteristics. While recognizably diverse, Asian and Pacific Islanders are not so different when it comes to their attitudes about mental health. Stigma associated with mental health problems is common in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Shaming related to mental health problems is a cultural norm in some Asian communities, leading many who have mental health problems to avoid seeking help despite the need.

Get “Active and Healthy” for Your Mental Health

2019-04-24T12:00:00+0000

Most people know that physical activity can reduce risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases, but fewer know that it is also important for mental health. Research suggests that exercise and physical activity can help to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. People of color, particularly youth, are less likely to be physically active compared to Whites and, in general, as people get older they exercise less. Since the U.S. population is becoming more racially diverse, more people are at risk for inactivity.