Resource Laundry Basket | Oct.

?? Welcome to the Resource Laundry Basket, where I’ve hung out my favorite substance use and mental health finds from the past month. ??

[BLOG] Holding the Weight: Supporting the Peer Workforce Through Loss?

Peer specialists carry an immense emotional burden, often facing the grief of losing those they support in ways that other professionals might not experience. This article dives into the unique challenges these workers face and explores practical, compassionate solutions—like flexible schedules, tailored emotional support, and a living wage—to help them process loss and continue their essential work.

[GUIDE] Substance Use Treatment for Black and Latinx Populations?

This guide offers comprehensive resources for those at risk of substance use disorders, their loved ones, and providers, with a focus on Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. Organized into five sections—from cultural responsiveness to harm reduction—each provides accessible tools, training, and educational materials to support equitable, culturally informed care.

[GUIDE] Start with Hope But Don't Stop There?

Create more equitable recovery frameworks by honoring diverse identities and addressing systemic barriers to ensure culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. By centering lived experiences and dismantling tokenism, this guide advocates for sustainable, inclusive recovery initiatives that empower marginalized communities to shape their own recovery journeys.

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[GUIDE] Won't You Be My Tobacco-free Neighbor??

Creating tobacco-free environments that extend beyond facility walls is a game-changer for behavioral health. People with mental health and substance use conditions experience the most severe health impacts of tobacco use, and these risks call for policies that protect both clients and staff on their paths to recovery.

[RESEARCH] A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that higher doses of buprenorphine significantly reduce hospitalizations and improve treatment retention for individuals with fentanyl addiction, prompting a re-evaluation of current federal dosing guidelines. A recent federal listening session further highlighted emerging evidence supporting higher doses (above 24 mg/day), noting reduced withdrawal symptoms, and fewer instances of illicit opioid use, while identifying barriers like stigma and restrictive insurance policies. Together, these findings underscore an urgent need for expanded research, provider education, and policy reform to improve access.