EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Also visit the online treatment locator.
Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Addiction Is a Family Disease
Addictions impacts not just the person suffering from a dependency. Many more people are harmed, especially friends and family. Loved ones face many struggles as they try to offer support.
For loved ones, it may seem counter-intuitive or even selfish to seek a way forward from the chaos and pain of addiction. But it starts with getting help for yourself—regardless of whether your loved one seeks treatment for substance abuse.
For more about how opioid addiction affects family members and other loved ones, read more from the Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation
The Mayo Clinic offers this easy-to-read explainer
People with chronic injuries or conditions sometimes are prescribed opioids to dull the pain. Sometimes, people develop an overreliance on these medications that can turn into addiction.
Opioid use — even short term — can lead to addiction and, too often, overdose. Find out how short-term pain relief leads to life-threatening problems.
Arkansas Lifeline Call Center
The Arkansas Department of Health operates the Arkansas Lifeline Call Center, which is a part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The line is answered in-state from area codes 501, 870, & 479 to better serve Arkansans with resources in their community 24/7. If you or someone you know, needs help, please call the Arkansas Lifeline Call Center: at 988, for veterans: Press 1 or CLICK HERE. You can also click here.
Arkansas Poison Center
The UAMS College of Pharmacy operates the Arkansas Poison Center.
Please program the 800-222-1222 Poison Hotline number into your cell phone speed dial so you can speak with a Certified Specialist in Poison Information for whatever poisoning or medication problem you may have! The Poison Specialists who answer the phone are either a medical doctor, pharmacist, or a registered nurse.
The Poison Center has an active public and professional education outreach program. Click on the Free Materials hot tab above to order free poison prevention materials online. You may email Charlie Stutts at CHStutts@uams.edu anytime for any administrative questions, concerns, or any public education needs you may possibly have!
Arkansas Drug Director
For all types of information pertaining to opioid abuse, go to the website of the Arkansas Drug Director. https://artakeback.org/take-back/arkansas-drug-director/
There are links to data related to drug overdoses and opioid prescriptions among other things.
Other links list support groups for family and friends. Learn about Take Back, an effort to collect unused prescription drugs that can be harmful or addictive if in the wrong hands.
Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
This brochure from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) gives an overview of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. It lists some of the common limits placed on mental health and substance use disorder benefits and services.