Plain-language articles on the trends that matter — naloxone (Narcan) access, fentanyl and overdose data, mental health, and substance use — drawn from trusted sources across the country. Subscribe and we'll email you each time we publish something new.
August 31, 2026
A class of ultra-potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes is spreading in the U.S. drug supply — some five to eight times stronger than fentanyl, undetectable by most drug tests, and now confirmed in at least 15 states. Here's what families and communities need to know.
August 24, 2026
States and localities are receiving tens of billions of dollars from opioid manufacturers and distributors. Here's how the money is being spent on treatment and recovery — what's working, what's being wasted, and what advocates are fighting to protect.
August 17, 2026
Cocaine-involved overdose deaths numbered nearly 29,000 in 2023 — and fentanyl is now routinely found in the cocaine supply, often without users' knowledge. Here's what the data shows, how to reduce risk, and what treatment for cocaine use disorder looks like.
August 10, 2026
Stimulant-related overdose deaths have nearly tripled since 2018, and most also involve fentanyl. Here's what methamphetamine does to the brain, what treatment options exist, and how to find help.
August 3, 2026
Harm reduction keeps people alive and connects them to care — without requiring abstinence first. Learn what it includes, what nearly 30 years of research shows, and how to find services near you.
July 27, 2026
Stable, substance-free housing is one of the most powerful supports in early recovery. Learn the four types of recovery homes, what the research shows about outcomes, and how to find a safe, quality residence near you.
July 20, 2026
In 2024, roughly 4 in 5 Americans who needed substance use treatment didn't receive it. What's behind the treatment gap, what the law says about insurance coverage, and how to find care today.
July 13, 2026
U.S. teen drug and alcohol use has hit historic lows for five straight years. But fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills create a deadly danger even for youth who rarely use substances. What parents and communities need to know.
July 6, 2026
Veterans face higher rates of alcohol use disorder and opioid-related harm than civilians — driven by trauma, chronic pain, and the pressures of military life. Here's what the data shows and how to find help.
July 5, 2026
A veterinary sedative called xylazine is being mixed into street drugs — often without the user's knowledge. It doesn't respond to Narcan, causes severe wounds, and has been found in 49 states. Here's what communities need to know.
June 28, 2026
U.S. overdose deaths dropped nearly 27% in 2024, the largest decline on record. Here's what's driving it, why fentanyl is down while stimulants are up, and what it means for families.
June 14, 2026
Naloxone is now over the counter nationwide, and free in every state. A step-by-step guide to getting it, recognizing an overdose, and using nasal-spray Narcan.
July 2, 2026
Tens of millions of Americans live with a mental illness, a substance use disorder, or both. Why co-occurring conditions are so common — and how whole-person care helps.
The Empower Brief shares public-health information from trusted national sources. It is educational and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911. For substance use and mental health support, call or text 988 or call SAMHSA's helpline at 1-800-662-4357.