A Community-Based, Preventative Approach
While professional treatment for substance use disorders, or SUD, is crucial, there is also a great need for broader community understanding of unhealthy substance use. Community members seek knowledge and confidence to offer appropriate support for family members, co-workers, and neighbors who use substances.
Substance Use First Aid (SUFA) is an innovative participatory education program designed to equip members of the general public with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of problematic substance use, provide initial support, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Drawing on successful primary and secondary prevention models and integrating the latest research on substance use prevention and stigma reduction, SUFA aims to create a more informed and supportive society for those struggling with problematic substance use. SUFA is currently under development, with module testing and revision starting in July. SUFA will be available for sign-up by late 2025.
Key Features
SUFA is a series of brief, participatory educational modules focused on improving community members’ response to harmful substance use among their peers, including loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors. We emphasize that disorders typically develop over many years, and these years often feature numerous sensitive periods during which an individual may be more susceptible to changing their behavior. Trusted confidants can help make a difference in people’s substance use, and SUFA helps them take the next step toward a conversation. SUFA focuses on the following important aspects of substance use.
What Sets SUFA Apart
- Socioecological Framework: SUFA adopts a socioecological approach, recognizing the complex interplay among individual, interpersonal, societal, and structural factors that contribute to substance use.
- Emphasis on Early Intervention: SUFA focuses on identifying and addressing “unhealthy substance use” prior to the development of a substance use disorder. This aligns with current research emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
- Community-Based Support: Unlike many existing programs that rely solely on healthcare professionals, SUFA empowers community members to play an active role in substance use prevention and support.
- Integration of Evidence-Based Communication Strategies: SUFA incorporates evidence-based communication techniques, such as gain-framed messaging, which is effective in promoting behavior change related to substance use. The program also emphasizes motivational interviewing skills.
- Stigma Reduction Focus: SUFA places a strong emphasis on reducing stigma associated with substance use disorders, incorporating strategies that are effective in improving attitudes and reducing discriminatory behaviors.
SUFA modules will be conducted by trained individuals with personal or family experience of substance use. SUFA is the perfect addition to your company’s, county’s, or organization’s training repertoire, helping you create a community of healing.