Substance Abuse Indicators

The opioid crisis and the flood of other drugs has reached epidemic proportion in many of our tribal communities across the nation. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Tables, twice as many American Indians and Alaska Natives require treatment for addiction compared to any other racial and ethnic group.

Review the 7-step approach to drug influence and identification which includes pulse, horizontal gaze nystagmus, vertical nystagmus, lack of convergence, pupillary comparison, pupil reaction and Romberg stand. Gain understanding in how the eyes react to drug influence and the effects on the central nervous system. Practice what you have learned using hands-on activities. As a law enforcement or parole/probation officer, you will gain the skills you need to recognize impairment caused by the most abused drugs or alcohol.

The opioid crisis and the flood of other drugs has reached epidemic proportion in many of our tribal communities across the nation. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Tables, twice as many American Indians and Alaska Natives require treatment for addiction compared to any other racial and ethnic group.

Join us for a webinar to learn what the latest research says about medication assisted treatment. This webinar will examine five myths surrounding medication for opioid and alcohol use disorders within incarcerated populations. Drawing on research and studies, the speakers will consider research findings about the effectiveness of Correctional MAT in saving lives, promoting recovery, reducing recidivism, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals struggling with opioid use disorders.

Join us to discuss approaches to overcoming the challenges in aligning agencies and systems responsible for preventing, intervening, and treating these issues to change the trajectories of the lives of drug endangered children. Explore best practices in breaking the multi-generational cycles of misuse and neglect. Examine steps to implement the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Approach, a comprehensive strategy based on a common vision, collaboration that is on-going between various disciplines and agencies, and on-going changes in practice.

The following activities occurred during this reporting period:

· Newly released resources were added to the COSSUP Resource Center website, as well as new announcements, funding opportunities, and learning opportunities.

The following Community of Practice activities occurred during this reporting period:

• Hosted a State Agency Community of Practice meeting (July and September 2024)
• Hosted OFR Data System User Group meetings (August, October, and December 2024)
• Hosted Next-of-Kin Interview Learning Community convenings (September 2024)
• Hosted Grantee monthly cohort calls (August – December 2024)

OFR Activities

• IIR staff members provided ongoing TTA support as requested through the TTA Tracker, via direct email correspondence with practitioners, and from participants attending
IIR-supported convenings (Community of Practice calls, webinars, Affinity Group calls, and state meet-and-greet calls). In addition, as new OFR sites were identified, IIR staff members reached out and requested an initial introductory call to understand the site’s needs and review the resources and support available to the sites.

The opioid epidemic has been exacerbated by the pandemic, especially in rural areas. Th peer exchange will allow visiting teams to discuss and share best practices, exchange ideas and knowledge, and engage in peer networking events.

The opioid epidemic has been exacerbated by the pandemic, especially in rural areas. Th peer exchange will allow visiting teams to discuss and share best practices, exchange ideas and knowledge, and engage in peer networking events.