Individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues have unique challenges when it comes to coping with COVID-19. We know many of you have questions about those services– like how the outbreak will impact your ability to see a doctor or therapist, access medication, or continue treatment. Here are a few questions to get you started.

You don’t have to suffer during this public emergency.

The Native American COVID-19 Media Campaign was created to promote the precautions we need to take to protect our NM tribal communities. We represent nearly 60% of all COVID-19 cases. If we learn to adapt, we will overcome this illness. The more we all work together, the sooner we can all be together.
We are one. #StoodisNM

Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It is easy to use and can be administered by anyone to treat a known or suspected opioid overdose. Learn where to get and how to use it.

Tailored to meet each person’s needs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling to treat opioid addiction to both prescription pain relievers and heroin. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, like heart disease or diabetes that can’t be cured, but it can be managed to help a person with addiction regain a healthy, productive life. People can’t just walk away from addiction – they need help.

Recovery Is Possible. Recovery is the Norm. Your addiction has given you the opportunity to change your life.

Anyone can become dependent on drugs and struggle with addiction. Opioid Use Disorder is not a moral failing and we need to remember that we can all change the conversation and decrease the stigma around drug use and addiction. We must reduce the stigma to encourage people to ask for help and recovery.

Having prescription opioid drugs at home increases the risk for potential misuse or accidental overdose. It’s up to all of us to practice safe medication use and storage. Learn where to dispose of unused opioids near you.

The following harm reduction tips for heroin and other opioids are designed to reduce the risk of overdose. The idea behind harm reduction is not to necessarily eliminate substance abuse but to diminish its harmful effects.