Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

11/29/2025

11/28/2025

Nothing brings people together like the holidays — especially when the Birds are on. And on Black Friday, it’s easy to slip from “just one bet” into checking your phone, chasing a loss, or feeling pulled away from the people around you.

If that sounds familiar — for you or someone you care about — you’re not alone.

Call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support.

11/27/2025

Today, we're giving thanks for the helpers and healers across Pennsylvania — the providers, recovery community, prevention specialists, helpline specialists, and local drug and alcohol offices who guide people toward safety, support, and hope every day.

Your work keeps families together. You help people reach the next holiday, the next milestone, the next year’s table.

If you or someone you love needs support, Pennsylvania’s free, confidential helpline is here 24/7:

📞 Call 1-800-662-HELP
💬 Text 717-216-0905

— Sec. LDJ

11/26/2025

Staying in this Thanksgiving Eve? You’re not missing out — protecting your peace or your recovery is a move you’ll feel good about in the morning.

If you’re drinking at all, don’t drive, and if someone is hard to wake, has slowed breathing, or vomits while unconscious, call 911 and stay with them.

If alcohol is starting to feel like a concern — for you or someone you love — help is here.

📞 Call 1-800-662-HELP
💬 Text 717-216-0905

11/26/2025

Hosting a loved one in early recovery this Thanksgiving? A few small choices can make the day feel easier for everyone.

💛 Make it clear they’re welcome.
Holidays can feel isolating in early recovery. Knowing they’re truly wanted at the table can mean a lot.

💛 Check in before the day.
A simple “Anything that would help?” keeps things open without pressure.

💛 Offer a plus-one.
A friend who isn’t drinking — or someone who gets it — can make the day feel more comfortable.

💛 Keep the vibe low-pressure.
Family energy and big gatherings can be a lot. Let them come late, take a break, or head out early — no explanations needed.

💛 Stay in the present.
Skip comments about the past. Keep conversation light and grounded in the moment.

💛 Read the room.
If tension pops up, model calm and gently shift the tone. It helps everyone breathe easier.

11/26/2025

11/25/2025

Stimulant-involved overdoses are climbing. A new University of Pennsylvania prediction tool — paired with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s latest overdose-prevention campaign — aims to get ahead of rising risk.

Full story from the PhillyVoice ⤵️

11/25/2025

Many rural Pennsylvanians still face barriers to getting timely substance use disorder (SUD) care — and nearly a quarter live in areas with shortages of treatment providers.

The Shapiro Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Plan would help by:

✔️ Providing rapid access to SUD treatment — including medication for opioid use disorder — through a statewide telehealth bridge clinic

✔️ Giving rural clinicians specialist support when treating SUD

✔️ Adding SUD services in maternal health hubs so pregnant and postpartum women are connected to support earlier

✔️ Using team-based care models to better coordinate treatment

✔️ Strengthening the workforce through scholarships and training, including for Certified Recovery Specialists and Certified Peer Specialists

These changes are designed to expand access to treatment, reduce pressure on emergency departments, and improve outcomes for rural residents.

Link in comments to read more.

11/24/2025

Public health saves lives — not just in moments of crisis, but every day through prevention, education, data, and community support.

This , we’re recognizing the prevention specialists, overdose prevention teams, epidemiologists, helpline specialists, our own DDAP staff, local drug and alcohol offices, and countless others who power Pennsylvania’s prevention and community health system.

Your work protects communities, keeps help within reach, and strengthens the pathways that help people chart their own course toward stability and recovery.

11/24/2025

11/23/2025

Substance use concerns don’t disappear with age — and many older adults face unique health risks when alcohol or drugs are part of the picture.

Our “Get Help Now” campaign includes targeted outreach to help older Pennsylvanians and their families recognize when it may be time to reach out.

If substance use is becoming a concern — for you or for someone you love — Pennsylvania’s free, confidential, 24/7 helpline is here to help:

📞 Call 1-800-662-HELP
💬 Text 717-216-0905

Help us spread the message. Campaign toolkit linked in the comments ⤵️

11/22/2025

Doing your Thanksgiving grocery run? Stock up for a festive, non-alcoholic drink table that keeps hosting simple — and welcoming for loved ones in recovery, anyone not drinking, designated drivers, and kids and teens.

Here are some easy ways to build it:

🧡 Premix one or two festive non-alcoholic drinks — like sparkling cranberry punch (cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, sparkling water, fresh cranberries), citrus-herb water (sliced citrus + mint or rosemary), or hot spiced cider (apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves).

🧡 Keep all alcohol in a separate spot, away from the drink table — guests can add it on their own if they want.

🧡 Offer a variety of basics: sparkling cider, flavored bubbly waters, and iced tea.

🧡 Skip the non-alcoholic beer and wine, which can look and feel like alcohol and may be tough for some people in early recovery.