BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Addiction Policy Forum released a new video explainer on the science of addiction available at 12 languages. The project, supported by the Cencora Impact Foundation and the Ethnic Communities Opioid Response Network—Missouri (ECORN-MO), provides open source, science-backed prevention materials to communities and families with limited English proficiency.
Addiction is a medical condition that can affect the brain and change a person’s behavior. The medical term for a drug or alcohol addiction is a substance use disorder (SUD). Worldwide, 35 million people suffer from substance use disorders, and only 1 in 7 people receive treatment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2019). Addiction is characterized by loss of control and continued use despite consequences, such as loss of a job, arrest, or other significant negative outcomes. It can happen to anyone, regardless of nationality, race, age or socio-economic status. Evidence-based interventions and therapies are available for prevention, early intervention, and addiction treatment.
“Understanding addiction through a health lens helps treat individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) sensitively and promotes more effective prevention and treatment strategies,” shared Jessica Hulsey, Addiction Policy Forum Founder.
“The Cencora Impact Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to grow initiatives focused on combating prescription drug abuse through safe disposal, innovative solutions and mental health support,” said Gabe Weissman, Senior Vice President of Global Public Affairs for Cencora and President of Cencora Impact. Foundation. “We are proud to support the Addiction Policy Forum to create these critical prevention materials for communities in the US and around the world.”
The video is available in the following languages:
The full catalog of addiction prevention resources can be accessed in multiple languages here.
About the Addiction Policy Forum
of Addiction Policy Forum is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem. APF’s strategic priorities include helping patients and families in crisis, ending the stigma surrounding addiction, expanding prevention and early intervention, increasing the use of evidence-based practice, and advancing patient-led research.
About the Cencora Impact Foundation
The Cencora Impact Foundation is an independent non-profit charitable organization founded by Cencora to support health-related causes that enrich the global community. The foundation aims to improve the health and well-being of its patient population – both human and animal – by investing in its communities. Through strategic partnerships and community collaboration, the Foundation works to expand access to quality health care and provide resources to ensure the safety of prescription drugs. For more information, visit www.cencora.com/our-impact/cencora-impact-foundation.
About ECORN-MO
The mission of Missouri Ethnic Community Opioid Response Network (ECORN-MO) is to respond to the impact of the ongoing opioid epidemic on our ethnic communities. ECORN-MO protects the appropriate language and cultural resources for individuals, families and communities affected by this crisis. We advocate for a public health response to the opioid epidemic based on quantitative and qualitative data that includes race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender (binary and nonbinary identity), LGBTQ+, and ability. Our current focus is on the opioid crisis in St Louis City and St Louis County.
Contact:
info@addictionpolicy.org
References
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2019). World drug report 2019: Booklet 2 – Drug demand and supply (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.19.XI.8).
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7502e87-b789-435c-97be-2cb189688e6b
