Media Contact:
Shweta Adyanthaya
CADCA Releases Best Practice Publication on Opioid Epidemic
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. opioid addiction epidemic affects millions of families and thousands of communities across the country. People who misuse opioids make up almost 4 percent (11 million) of the population and, currently, more than 115 die of an opioid drug overdose every day. CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) is releasing a publication entitled, Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Community Prevention: An Application of the Seven Strategies for Community Change.
This Practical Theorist is part of a series of publications designed to summarize field research
on key drug abuse issues, and to present it in a concise, practical format, with strategies
for using the data to mobilize communities and support the mission of coalitions. The publication covers important topics related to the opioid epidemic:
- Brief history of Opioid Addiction
- Types and classifications of Opioids
- Physiological Basis of Opioid Addiction
- Individual and Environmental factors related to Misuse
- Seven Strategies for Community Change
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provided scientific expertise and support for this publication. “It is important that CADCA is able to share strategies and practices that have proven to be effective at the community level,” said Dr. Jack Stein, Director of NIDA’s Office of Science Policy and Communications. “Without robust community engagement, we will never be able to confront the opioid crisis unfolding in neighborhoods all over America.”
Two coalitions who have embraced the Seven Strategies for Community Change and achieved remarkable positive sustainable outcomes are highlighted in the publication as well.
The Practical Theorist will be available at the end of August and can be found on the CADCA website. A limited number of printed copies will be available.
