Become An Ex
EX is a comprehensive national campaign that helps smokers create their own plan to quit smoking, as well as connects them to additional resources and information about quitting. It provides evidence-based tools to help smokers quit, including information that can help them prepare for a quit attempt by 1) “Re-learning” their thinking on the behavioral aspects of smoking and how different smoking triggers can be overcome with practice and preparation; 2) “Re-learning” their knowledge of addiction and how medications can increase their chances for quitting success; and 3) “Re-learning” their ideas of how support from friends and family members can play a critical role in quitting.

Because social support is so important, EX has used a state-of-the-art Web site (www.BecomeAnEX.org) as a convening point for smokers who want to quit and collaborate on their successes and challenges in the difficult quit process. EX tools were designed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and with input from former and current smokers who have lived with this struggle, in order to provide smokers with a realistic approach based on evidence based research.

Most smokers in America – 70 percent – want to quit, but in 2000, only about five percent of smokers were successful in quitting long-term. Quitting smoking is ultimately one of the single most important lifestyle changes one can make to improve and extend their lives. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States; smokers therefore need to be armed with all the available information to make the best, most informed choices about the smoking cessation medications and resources available to them.

For more information visit www.BecomeAnEX.org.
Category: Drug Abuse, Health

Illicit Drug Use Prevention: The Partnership for a Drug- Free America
Help people live healthy, drug-free lives, by airing PSAs on preventing illicit drug use. The PSAs educate young people and their parents about the effects of drugs in hopes of preventing substance use before it starts. Visit TimeToTalk.org TimeToTalk.org for easy-to-use guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-free.
Category: Children, Drug Abuse

Prescription Pain Relievers
Help encourage older adults to "Do The Right Dose" when using prescription pain relievers by informing them how prescription pain medications are safe and effective when used correctly, but if misused, could lead to addiction or other problems.
Category: Drug Abuse

Recovery Month
The National Association of Broadcasters has collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create materials for local broadcasters to help educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.

The Join the Voices for Recovery: Recovery Benefits Everyone fact sheet and live-read radio script book were designed to assist stations during National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) in September, when communities across the nation celebrate people in recovery, laud the work of treatment providers, and spread the message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible.

For more information regarding Recovery Month, please contact Michele Monroe or Ivette Torres of SAMHSA at (240) 276-2750 or visit www.recoverymonth.gov.
Category: Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Health