The Opioid Response Network Partnering with the Justice System and Public Health to Address Stimulant Use

The Opioid Response Network (ORN) “helps you help others” by collaborating on an identified need related to opioids and/or stimulants. A SAMHSA-funded national project, the ORN is a free resource supporting organizations, institutions, and individuals that desire to increase their knowledge and capacity to positively impact the lives of millions of Americans affected by opioid and stimulant use. In 2020, 2.5 million Americans reported using methamphetamine in the past year; 5 million used cocaine, and 5 million used non-prescribed stimulants (SAMHSA, 2021). With the increase in people impacted by stimulant use, professionals in the public safety, public health, and the criminal-legal systems sought support from ORN to effectively apply evidence-based strategies in their practices. For example, a law enforcement group recognized that an increase in stimulant use in their area required additional training of staff to be able to better respond to the multifaceted problems involved in a psychostimulant overdose with more targeted and appropriate de-escalation techniques than they had previously been utilizing. The ORN provided assistance with a consultant who worked with the team to understand the scope of the problem and what strategies might be the most appropriate to assist in their work day-to-day. In this workshop, you will hear from ORN consultants who will share examples of how they helped providers and communities expand their awareness, knowledge, and skills. In a panel-discussion format, participants will have an opportunity to hear more examples, ask questions, and receive information about how to access the same support from the ORN.