Press Room

News Releases

New National Poll Reveals Public Attitudes on Substance Abuse, Treatment and the Prospects of Recovery
Finds some significant differences in perceptions among various population groups. Nearly half of American adults report knowing someone in recovery from the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, according to survey results announced today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (9/30/08)

SAMHSA Releases Latest Completed TEDS Report with Nationwide Data on Treatment Admissions for Substance Abuse
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is issuing the completed version of its latest Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), which provides information on substance abuse treatment admissions from state-licensed treatment facilities across the country. (9/23/08)

More Americans Than Ever Turn to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network Hotline (1 800-273-TALK) for Help with Suicide-Related Problems
SAMHSA and other mental health groups are using National Suicide Prevention Week to encourage people in crisis and those who are concerned about someone possibly at risk for suicide to use the Lifeline and the many lifesaving services it offers. (9/10/08)

New National Survey Reveals Cocaine, Methamphetamine Use Drop among Young Adults; Prescription Drug Abuse Increases
Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults has dropped significantly over the past year, while abuse of prescription drugs has risen, according to the nation's largest substance use assessment, the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The report also showed a spike in drug use among 55-59 year-olds, as baby boomers entered that age range. (9/4/08)

2007 National Survey on Drug Abuse Results and Individual Stories of Recovery to be Highlighted at Recovery Month Press Conference
The Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will unveil the results of the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health at a press conference on Thursday, September 4. The annual survey, formerly called the "Household Survey" is the largest of its kind, and is the government's primary vehicle for determining how many persons are abusing illegal drugs, pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco. (8/14/08)

SAMHSA Announces Availability of New Sustainability Toolkit for Grassroots Programs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is announcing the release of "Sustaining Grassroots Community-based Programs: A Toolkit for Community and Faith-based Service Providers." Grassroots community and faith-based treatment and recovery providers are concerned about continuing critical services for people affected by substance abuse and mental health disorders. This toolkit is designed to help these organizations plan for long-term survival. (8/8/08)

Federal Agencies Convene Behavioral Health Conference and Policy Academy for Returning Veterans and Their Families
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs will jointly convene the National Behavioral Health Conference and Policy Academy on Returning Veterans and their Families on August 11-13, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hotel in Bethesda, MD. (8/7/08)

Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) Provides Vital Help to More Than 55,000 Callers in Its First Year
The Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), has provided immediate, often life-saving, help to tens of thousands of veterans and their loved ones during the year since its inception. Over 22,000 calls have come directly from veterans, with the remainder coming from others seeking help for veterans who are family members or friends. (8/7/08)

Federal Agencies Convene Behavioral Health Conference for Returning Veterans and Their Families
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs will jointly convene the National Behavioral Health Conference and Policy Academy on Returning Veterans and their Families on August 11-13, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hotel in Bethesda, MD. (7/25/08)

New Report Reveals More Than 1000 People Died in Illegal Fentanyl Epidemic of 2005-2007
A new report provides an unprecedented look at the scope and nature of an epidemic of overdoses related to illegally produced (non-pharmaceutical) fentanyl -- an epidemic that ultimately killed at least 1,013 people within less than two years. Published in the July 25 issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report (MMWR), Non-Pharmaceutical Fentanyl-related Deaths, Multiple States chronicles the steps public health and law enforcement authorities at the federal, state and local level took in identifying and responding to the problem, and notes how these measures could be applied to public health threats. (7/24/08)

Mental Health Services Should Be More Accessible in Primary Care Settings
A new report released today by three agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposes strategies to overcome barriers associated with the reimbursement of mental health services provided in primary care settings. Key actions recommended focus on a variety of stakeholders, including primary care providers, state Medicaid officials, and others billing for mental health services in the public sector, working together to promote a greater understanding of mental health reimbursement policy. (7/23/08)

SAMHSA Launches New Homelessness Resource Center Web Site
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has launched a new Homelessness Resource Center Web site. The Web site is designed to support individuals working to improve the lives of people affected by homelessness who have mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and histories of trauma. (7/21/08)

SAMHSA Releases Latest TEDS Report on Discharges from Substance Abuse Treatment Services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is issuing its latest Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) report on Discharges from Substance Treatment Services, which provides a myriad of information on substance abuse treatment episodes at state-licensed treatment facilities across the country. (7/17/08)

New Nationwide Report Estimates that 40 Percent of Underage Drinkers Received Free Alcohol from Adults Over 21
More than 40 percent of the nation's estimated 10.8 million underage current drinkers (persons aged 12 to 20 who drank in the past 30 days) were provided free alcohol by adults 21 or older, according to a nationwide report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The study also indicates that one in 16 underage drinkers (6.4 percent or 650,000) was given alcoholic beverages by their parents in the past month. (6/26/08)

New Report Pinpoints Substance Use and Mental Health Problems in Individual Localities Throughout the Nation
Mental health and substance abuse problems affect every local community throughout America - but in unique, and sometimes surprising ways, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The report offers highly detailed analyses of the substance abuse and mental health problems occurring within these smaller geographical areas. (6/19/08)

Updated SAMHSA Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs
A new, updated guide to finding local substance abuse treatment programs is now available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs 2008 provides information on thousands of alcohol and drug treatment programs located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and five U.S. territories. (6/12/08)

SAMHSA Announces Availability of New Drug-Free Workplace Kit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a Drug-Free Workplace Kit, suitable for all sizes of workplaces. The free kit provides public and private workplaces with practical evidence-based information, resources, and tools for producing and maintaining drug-free workplace policies and programs. (4/28/08)

SAMHSA co-sponsors 3rd National Conference on Women, Addiction and Recovery
Don't miss the 3rd National Conference on Women, Addiction and Recovery. This conference brings together the leaders, directors and other stakeholders in women's services to hear current research, discuss implementation and promote effective leadership to professionals and stakeholders to assist women with substance use disorders and their families. (4/28/08)

Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Substance Use and Mental Health
New study indicates that people who experienced prolonged displacement from their homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had higher rates of mental health and substance abuse problems. Adults forced from their homes for two weeks or more by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita were much more likely to report mental health and substance abuse problems than those who were not similarly dislocated, according to a report based on surveys conducted before and after these storms hit. (1/31/2008)

2006 National Survey on Drug Abuse Results and Individual Stories of Recovery to be Highlighted at Recovery Month Press Conference
The Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will unveil the results of the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health at a press conference on Thursday, September 6. The annual survey, formerly called the "Household Survey" is the largest of its kind, and is the government's primary vehicle for determining how many persons are abusing illegal drugs, pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco. (9/6/2007)