HEART Research

This fact sheet from Utah State University Extension offers practical guidance on safely using prescription opioids. It explains how opioids work, the risks of dependence and overdose, and provides evidence-based strategies for pain management and harm re...

This Utah State University Extension fact sheet informs parents about ZYN nicotine pouches, a smokeless, tobacco-free product that is discreet and highly addictive, making it popular among teens. It outlines health risks, warning signs of use, and how to ...

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a safe and effective medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives. It is available over the counter and protected under Utah’s Good Samaritan Law,...

This fact sheet provides an overview of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid used for pain management but increasingly found in illicit drugs, leading to a high risk of overdose. It explains the effects of opioids on the body, the dangers of fentanyl conta...

Ketamine is a general anesthetic with pain-relieving properties that has gained attention for its potential antidepressant effects, though it also carries risks of psychological dependence and recreational misuse. While medically approved for anesthesia a...

Prioritizing mental and physical wellness can lead to lasting improvements in overall health and daily life. By incorporating small, evidence-based habits—like mindfulness, regular exercise, and healthy eating—you can create a balanced and fulfilling year...

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that dramatically increases dopamine levels, leading to intense euphoria, rapid dependence, and severe health risks, including heart problems, psychosis, and death. Misuse can result in dangerous side effect...

Understanding the complexities of the teen brain helps caregivers foster stronger relationships and support healthy decision-making. Discover strategies to build trust, encourage positive risk-taking, and navigate adolescence with compassion and connectio...

This fact sheet educates parents about Adderall, its legitimate uses for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, and the dangers of misuse, including addiction, serious health risks, and exposure to counterfeit pills. It also provides practical advice on talking to...

Pain is one way our bodies let us know that something is wrong. It alerts us if we have been injured, or if our bodies need care. Most pain is short-lived or “acute,” and subsides with minimal effort—but pain that lasts longer or doesn’t go away as quickl...

Pain is one way our bodies let us know that something is wrong. It alerts us if we have been injured, or if our bodies need care. Most pain is short-lived or “acute,” and subsides with minimal effort—but pain that lasts longer or doesn’t go away as quickl...

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, pain is your body signaling that you have been, are, or are expecting to be injured or ill (NINDS, 2024). Pain is an unpleasant experience that motivates us to care for our bodies a...

“ Mindfulness is ‘paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present, and non judgmentally.’ ”

You Are Not Alone Recovery and relationships can seem difficult on their own, while maintaining a healthy relationship during the recovery of one or both partners can seem nearly impossible. However, it is helpful to recognize that if you or y

Recovery and relationships can seem difficult on their own, while maintaining a healthy relationship during the recovery of one or both partners seem nearly impossible.

Consuming a healthy diet can benefit everyone—especially individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), a disorder that occurs when frequent use of drugs or alcohol causes impairment, health issues, and difficulties with managing daily responsibilities (S...

This fact sheet focuses on opioids, a highly addictive class of substance with a high risk of unintentional overdose death. We review how opioid overdoses can be temporarily reversed with naloxone (Dhalla, et al., 2009; Straus, et al., 2013) and some impo...

This factsheet examines the effects of substance use on brain development in youth, the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on youth substance use, and interventions parents and community members can use to reduce their children’s risk.

The integrated biological-psychological-social model of health recognizes the complexity in the ways individuals are influenced by their situations, with violence as the unfortunate result of the wrong mix of circumstances. The public health approach to v...

This factsheet reviews youth substance use treatment, barriers that they face, prevention interventions, and resources for parents and community members.

Communities spend thousands of dollars on first responders to protect them physically: body armor for law enforcement officers, heat resistant gear for firefighters, gloves and reflective clothing for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Supporting...

Below is a list of guidelines and general rules of thumb that, although are not mandatory, can increase communication quality in online platforms. They can be followed when presenting or conducting an online meeting with business

Chronic pain is a term used to describe pain that persists for longer than the expected time frame of healing. Patients with chronic pain commonly experience collateral effects to their primary condition. These include depression, sleep disturbance, fatig...

Stigma is an attitude, discrimination, or prejudice directed towards an individual or a group and can prevent a person from seeking out proper care, support, and treatment (Angermeyer & Dietrich, 2006).

Chronic pain is perhaps the most pervasive medical issue in the United States. The long-term impacts of chronic pain often cause individuals to reduce or eliminate physical activity.

To better identify, understand, and eliminate stigma, this fact sheet discusses how stigma against treatment hinders recovery, evidence-based treatments for OUD, and strategies to combat OUD treatment stigma.

This fact sheet will cover (1) the consequences of substance use and (2) the current recommendations for substance use during pregnancy.

This fact sheet will talk about why and what to do, with recommendations for safe treatment and support during pregnancy.

Parenting and pregnancy in the context of substance use is a complicated topic. It is recognized as an important concern for child welfare (Chandler et. al, 2013). Many public health officials, social workers, policy makers, and community members want to ...

In November 1944, Dr. AncelKeys and Dr. Josef Brozek, faculty at the University of Minnesota, conducted a study on the effects of starvation, known as the Minnesota Starvation Study (Baker & Keramidas, 2013). Through this study, it was observed that a lac...

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than six months and may continue even after illnesses or injuries have healed (Cleveland Clinic, 2017). Pain signals in the nervous system can remain active for several years if they are altered in the spinal cord, b...