https://empowernextproject.org/blog.html What's changing in recovery across the U.S. — naloxone (Narcan) access, fentanyl and overdose trends, mental health, and substance use. From Empower Next Project. en-us Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 https://empowernextproject.org/blog-youth-prevention.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-youth-prevention.html Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Youth Prevention 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 — and what evidence-based prevention actually works. https://empowernextproject.org/blog-veterans-recovery.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-veterans-recovery.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Veterans & Recovery 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. What the data shows, why veterans are at higher risk, and how the VA and SAMHSA can help. https://empowernextproject.org/blog-xylazine-tranq.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-xylazine-tranq.html Sat, 05 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Emerging Substances Xylazine — known as "tranq" — is a veterinary sedative being mixed into street drugs, primarily fentanyl, without users' knowledge. It doesn't respond to Narcan, causes severe wounds, and has been detected in 49 states. What families and communities need to know. https://empowernextproject.org/blog-co-occurring.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-co-occurring.html Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Mental Health & Recovery 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 supports recovery. https://empowernextproject.org/blog-overdose-trends-2026.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-overdose-trends-2026.html Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Overdose Prevention U.S. overdose deaths dropped nearly 27% in 2024 — the largest decline on record. What's driving it, why fentanyl is down while stimulants are up, and what it means for families. https://empowernextproject.org/blog-narcan-training.html https://empowernextproject.org/blog-narcan-training.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Narcan / Naloxone 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.