 DAWN is a public health surveillance network launched by SAMHSA’s Center for Behavioural Health Statistics and Health Quality. Its purpose is to capture data related to emergency department visits due to the use of illicit substances, alcohol use, substance use, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs. The data will be used to monitor and understand demographic attributes, geographic characteristics, usage trends, and outcome of emergency department visits. A notable advantage of the network is that it allows for early alert of any introduction of new substances. Some significant findings from the preliminary reports are that the use of Methamphetamine is a growing problem and there is a relatively high rate of ED visits related adverse events involving marijuana use. SAMHSA stresses the fact that these are preliminary findings from a relatively small pool of participating hospitals and they are not be generalizable for the US.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven many services to virtual delivery platforms. As such, the justice system has begun to offer some of its treatment and recovery programs through teleservices, including video/telephone conferencing services, smartphone applications, online videos with accompanying assignments, and/or support groups on social media. Incentives to stick to the virtual treatment and recovery programs include monetary rewards, waiving fees, and/or other incentive packages mailed to participants. For example, the LaPorte County Drug Court has made the effort to mail letters of encouragement to its participants. Other drug courts have also launched programs to provide phone and wireless services to those without access. Though arisen from necessity, these virtual components have the potential to become permanent extensions of treatment programs.
 Researchers at IUPUI have utilized a novel approach to identify risk factors for substance use disorders. Their approach in a recent study involved examining risk factors by age group, as opposed to the more commonplace practice of grouping risk factors by the substances being abused. The study consisted of a literature review of more than 300 articles addressing risk factors for substance use among all age groups. It found that for children younger than 18, those with traumatic childhood experiences, family history of drug use, and peer pressure are most at risk. For adults ages 26-64 family and career circumstances (e.g. high-stress or physically taxing jobs) placed them most at risk. For individuals older than 65, the grief and loss of loved ones, and chronic pain was a significant risk factor. To create interventions that work, the research team suggests screenings and interventions based on age groups. This allows for individualized intervention efforts and helps distribute the responsibility among multiple support persons in the individual’s life.
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