Family Resources

Substance use and opioid use disorder do not discriminate. They are present in all communities, affect all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic classes. Evidence proves that a key to successful recovery is understanding the disorder, providing support, and maintaining connection.

Family support can improve recovery outcomes exponentially. This page offers a variety of resources for treatment and recovery that families can tap into for help, direction, and proven best practices for helping a loved one navigate a journey through SUD/OUD.


Understanding Substance Use and Opioid Use Disorder
Do you suspect that a family member may be misusing substances or navigating addiction? As a parent, there is a wide selection of resources - and many are free - to help you understand, support, and get help for those you love. You may have some of the following questions as you start your journey of supporting someone with SUD/OUD:
  • What are the differences between substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, and addiction?
  • Where can I get help for my family member?
  • Are there supportive resources for me, as a parent of someone experiencing use disorder or addiction?
  • What can I do to help prevent an overdose?
  • Can I make a difference in my loved one's recovery?
Click the button below to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Parent Resources Coming Soon

Maternal & Infant Support
The number of expectant and new mothers affected by substance use and opioid use disorder continues to grow, which also affects their unborn babies and newborns. But there is help. By treating SUD/OUD during and after pregnancy, mothers and babies can experience positive, healthy outcomes following birth. It is important to discuss a treatment plan with your medical provider before or early in you pregnancy to ensure the best results.

Click below to learn about some of the maternal-infant resources that offer evidence-based, positive outcomes for moms and babies.
View Maternal-Infant Support Resources

Opioid Use Disorder
Resource Guide
  • What are opioids and why are they dangerous?
  • Words Matter: Use the Correct Terminology
  • Who is at risk for opioid use disorder?
  • Pain Management Alternatives
  • Infectious Diseases and Opioids
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
  • Harm Reduction: Needle Exchange
  • Safe Medication Disposal
  • Do Your Part to end the Opioid Epidemic
  • Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
  • Naloxone Saves Lives







Open the Opioid Use Disorder Resource Guide
 

Opportunities for Training and Support
USU Health Extension offers a variety of live and on-demand training opportunities to help build stronger family relationships and create protective factors within the home.

The programs below encourage resiliency, communication, understanding, and evidence-based education that can be applied to help prevent SUD/OUD, identify treatment options, reduce harm and stigma, and support positive recovery outcomes.
  • Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14).
  • Be Epic Escape the Vape
  • Family Peer Support
  • Recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency.
  • Support mothers and infants who may be affected by substance use or opioid use disorder.
  • Consider alternative pain management techniques to help reduce the risk of opioid misuse or addiction.
Click below to learn more.
View Training Opportunities

Safe Medication Disposal

Eleven Utahns die each week from drug overdose, seven of which were a result of opioids. In 2021 alone, there were 456 opioid-related deaths in Utah. Opioid overdose is a preventable cause of death, and safe medication disposal is one way we can all contribute to reducing those numbers.

Click below to learn more about how safe medication disposal can reduce the risk of overdose, misuse, addiction, and environmental harm in your home and community.
More About Safe Medication Disposal Coming Soon


Research & Resources
USU Health Extension has created a growing library of evidence-based fact sheets, articles, and online resources regarding substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and alternative pain management practices.

Click below to view a sampling of our research, which offers helpful tips, educational content, and additional resources.
View Research and Online Resources

Highlights

Challenging the norm: Substance use and child abuse are not the same thing.
Did you know the US maternal mortality rate has recently been on the rise? And neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and a variety of other maternal-infant health concerns are increasing. While there are many possible contributors to these conditions, two primary concerns are mental health and substance misuse/overdose. Join us to learn more about NAS and the treatment options available for pregnant mothers who experience substance use disorder. By understanding the diagnosis and offering support, we can all contribute to positive outcomes for affected mothers and babies in our communities.

Featured Speaker: Marcela Smid, MD, MS, MA
OB-GYN | Assistant Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
Register Now

Jessie's Story: What I Hold Sacred
jessie's story exerpt opioid use disorder treatment during pregnancyView an excerpt of the true story of Jessie’s journey through substance use disorder and recovery.

Jessie developed an opioid use disorder when she needed pain pills for a back injury. When Jessie became pregnant with her second child, she tried to quit cold-turkey, but started again after he was born. She went to rehab, but wasn’t given information about medications for addiction treatment or harm reduction. She returned to use and started using heroin, which led to her husband kicking her out. Jessie’s use spiraled, and she became homeless, enduring assault and loss, until she finally ended up in jail. Jessie found strength in sharing her story and is now in long term recovery, using her experiences to help others struggling with substance use disorder.
View Jessie's Story