Substance ABUSE
Prevention and Treatment

Communities are stronger when faith based organizations work with their community to prevent substance abuse, and support those seeking treatment and recovery. Faith organizations are one of the few institutions that follow people from birth through the lifespan, having a profound impact on their decisions to become involved with substances, and to seek help if their use turns into abuse or addition.

  • Data and reports on substance use by substance type in Montana are available through the Office of Epidemiology and Scientific Support.

  • The Behavioral Health Barometer: Montana, Volume 6: Indicators as measured through the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services is one of a series of national, regional, and state reports that provide a snapshot of behavioral health in the United States. The reports present a set of substance use and mental health indicators as measured through the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N–SSATS), sponsored by SAMHSA.

  • The Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit, specifically designed for faith and community organizations, gives practical ways your community can bring hope and healing to those in need.

  • Visit Substance Use Disorder Services and Resources for information on resources in Montana.

  • The Meadowlark Initiative screens pregnant women in Montana for substance use disorders, and connects those need help with treatment and supports to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Visit here for a list of locations in Montana.

  • Reversing an opioid overdose can save a life. Visit naloxone.mt.gov to find community providers near you that currently offer Naloxone. Contact naloxone@mt.gov for information on how you can become a Naloxone provider for your community.

  • The primary goal of prevention is to improve public health by identifying risk and protective factors, assessing the effectiveness of preventive interventions and identifying ways to provide information. The DPHHS Substance Abuse Prevention Program provides information on community-based prevention efforts in Montana.

  • You may suspect or discover your loved one is dealing with a mental illness, drinking too much, or using drugs. As a family member, you can play a central role in getting them the help they need. Use SAMHSA's Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders graphic as a guide.

  • When a family member is drinking too much, using drugs, or struggling with a mental disorder, your
    support can be key to getting them the treatment they need. Starting the conversation is the first step
    to getting help. Use SAMHSA's Supporting a Loved One Dealing with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders graphic to help get the conversation started.

  • ParentingMontana.org has new resources including podcasts featuring parenting experts, guidance and information about teens and marijuana and other drug misuse, and more tools and resources covering vital topics such as stress and childhood trauma.

  • Share local recovery meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous) with your congregation through bulletins, newsletters, or websites. If a local support group doesn’t exist, open your doors to host a community recovery group. Find Montana Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings near you.

  • Montana's Angel Initiative is designed to improve access and entry to substance abuse treatment. Faith and community organizations can support this initiative by encouraging those who may have a substance disorder to turn their substances over to local law enforcement without fear of legal consequences. From there, law enforcement will connect the individual to treatment services. In addition, local churches could fill a vital role in providing transportation to treatment for those involved in the program. For more information, contact angelinitiative@mt.gov.

  • Reversing an opioid overdose can save a life. Visit naloxone.mt.gov to find community providers near you that currently offer Naloxone. Contact  naloxone@mt.gov for information on how you can become a Naloxone provider for your community.

  • Encourage safe disposal of prescriptions in your community through promotion of local Drop Boxes.

  • Join a local substance abuse prevention coalition in your county to work with others in your community to address local substance use.