September is National Substance Use Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery resources for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

Substance use disorders impact millions of people each year, affecting individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. Prevention begins with education, early intervention, and ensuring that people know help is available when they need it. By encouraging open conversations and increasing access to care, we can help prevent substance misuse and support individuals on their recovery journey.

Harm Reduction Saves Lives

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that focuses on reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use while supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their health. Harm reduction strategies can include overdose prevention education, naloxone access, safer use practices, syringe service programs, and connections to treatment and recovery services.

These approaches help keep people engaged in care, reduce overdose deaths, and create opportunities for individuals to access treatment when they are ready.

MATTERS: Connecting Individuals to Life-Saving Care

One important resource available in New York State is the MATTERS (Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals) Program. MATTERS helps connect individuals struggling with opioid use disorder to immediate treatment and recovery services.

Through MATTERS, hospitals, emergency departments, first responders, care managers, and community partners can quickly refer individuals to treatment providers and recovery supports. The program helps reduce barriers to care and promotes rapid access to services when individuals are ready to seek help.

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), combined with counseling, peer support, and ongoing recovery services, has been shown to improve outcomes and support long-term recovery. Early intervention and rapid linkage to treatment can save lives and strengthen communities.

Learn more about MATTERS:

• https://mattersnetwork.org/

Recovery Is Possible

Recovery looks different for everyone. For some, it may involve counseling, medication for addiction treatment, peer support, housing assistance, employment services, or community-based programs. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, but with the right supports, individuals can achieve meaningful and lasting change.

During Substance Use Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to:

• Learn about substance use disorders, harm reduction strategies, and available treatment options.
• Share prevention, treatment, and recovery resources with family, friends, and community members.
• Reduce stigma by using person-centered, recovery-focused language.
• Support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.
• Promote access to harm reduction services, treatment, medication for addiction treatment, and recovery supports.
• Carry and learn how to use naloxone, an important tool in preventing overdose deaths.

Together We Can Make a Difference

Substance Use Prevention Month reminds us that prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery are community responsibilities. Every conversation, referral, and act of support can help save a life and improve community health.

By promoting resources like MATTERS and increasing awareness of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction strategies, we can help reduce stigma, expand access to care, and ensure individuals and families know they are not alone.

Prevention matters. Harm reduction saves lives. Recovery is possible. Hope makes a difference.

Helpful Resources

• https://mattersnetwork.org/
• https://oasas.ny.gov/
• SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)