Words Matter – How providers speak to patients with substance use disorders is important. The language used while talking to or about patients can reinforce the stigma that patients face. Use person-first language and avoid stigmatizing words. Watch this short educational video to learn more about how you can change your language to improve patient care.

Naloxone – Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a life-saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe, works, and having it at home does not make someone more likely to use opioids. Easy to use, you can obtain Naloxone from the emergency department or your local pharmacy.

Harm Reduction Strategies – Harm reduction recognizes that people aren’t perfect. From naloxone, buprenorphine, and disposal of sharps, harm reduction strategies recognize that people may continue to use drugs, but that options exist to keep them safe.

Peer Recovery Support Specialists – Peer Recovery Support Specialists, also known as Coaches, play an invaluable role in recovery. They are people who have been successful in the recovery process and who help others experiencing similar situations. Peer recovery coaches help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the risk of recurrent use.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder – Buprenorphine is an important medication that can be used to treat opioid use disorder​. Initiating buprenorphine in the Emergency Department​ helps patients engage in treatment and reduce their risk of an opioid overdose. Watch this short educational video on how you can start a patient on buprenorphine and call the buprenorphine hotline at 401-606-5456 if you have any questions.