Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

12/24/2025

The holidays come with a lot of giving and receiving—gifts, invitations, expectations.

But some of the most meaningful things this season can’t be wrapped.

Being present might look like staying grounded in your recovery. It might look like sitting with someone you care about—listening without trying to fix anything, and taking things one day at a time.

That kind of presence is a gift—for yourself and for others navigating recovery from drug or alcohol use.

12/23/2025

No one pulls the sleigh alone. 🦌✨🎁

At last week’s holiday party, we celebrated service milestones, shared a meal, played a few games, and took time to get to know new faces.

We also had some fun recognizing staff with reindeer personality superlatives—each one reflecting different strengths that help move our work forward.

🦌 Cupid (warm-hearted, loving, optimistic): Carissa Eaddy
🦌 Blitzen (fast, calm, and confident): Ian Kaiper-Marquez
🦌 Dasher (fast, energetic, initiator): Kelly Ciambra
🦌 Prancer (polished, confident, proud of their work): Stacey Dorman
🦌 Vixen (clever, witty, problem-solver): Dan Fellin
🦌 Rudolph (resilient guide and symbol of hope): Grace Kindt
🦌 Donner (leader with a loving personality): Melina Boychock
🦌 Dancer (fun-loving, upbeat, morale booster): Kelly Dietrich
🦌 Comet (calm, friendly, dependable): Victoria Jankowski

We’re grateful for our 100+ team members who show up every day for Pennsylvanians, bringing teamwork, commitment, and heart to support drug, alcohol, and gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery.

12/22/2025

We don’t want a lot for the holidays — just the things that matter for Pennsylvanians: connection, safety, and support through prevention, recovery, and help for drug and alcohol use and problem gambling.

12/21/2025

The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and the moment when days begin to grow longer again.

Long winter nights can bring more time indoors, less connection, and heavier stress. That can make alcohol use, drug use, or gambling harder to manage — and it can feel isolating.

Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate this season alone.

Both helplines are confidential, free, and available 24/7.

More light is ahead.

12/19/2025

It’s National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!

Labeling a sweater as “ugly” is harmless fun. When it comes to people, labels like “addict” can create distance.

Choosing warm, person-first language helps reduce stigma and supports drug and alcohol treatment and recovery — especially during the holidays.

Try this:
• person with a substance use disorder
• person in recovery
• recurrence of symptoms

Help is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP.

12/19/2025

When someone overdoses, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are often the first to arrive—and that response can save a life and open the door to recovery.

Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget includes a $6 million investment in EMS to strengthen training, workforce support, and equipment for local EMS agencies across Pennsylvania.

That investment supports overdose prevention and response. EMS professionals administer naloxone (Narcan), provide emergency care, and help connect people to the next steps after an overdose.

Through our Overdose Prevention Program, naloxone is supplied to local agencies and community partners—including EMS—for use in the field, community distribution, and leave-behind after an overdose, helping ensure lifesaving tools are available when they’re needed most.

12/19/2025

For some, the holiday season and celebrations can trigger unwanted emotions or behaviors. Help is available, if you or someone in your life is struggling with the use of substances, including alcohol, and would like support with recovery: samhsa.gov/find-help

12/18/2025

🙌

12/18/2025

In Philadelphia, the presence of medetomidine in fentanyl samples nearly tripled in 2024.

Public Good News breaks down what medetomidine is, why it’s dangerous, and why naloxone should still be used any time an overdose is suspected.

Full article in the comments. ⤵️

12/18/2025

12/18/2025

If someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, naloxone (Narcan) can save a life and won’t cause harm. Calling 911, giving naloxone, and staying with someone until help arrives can be the difference between tragedy and the chance for recovery.

That’s the gift we’re wishing for this season—empathy that leads to action.

What to do:
1️⃣ Call 911 right away
2️⃣ Administer naloxone
3️⃣ If breathing returns, place them on their side in the recovery position
4️⃣ If not breathing, give rescue breaths (tilt head back, pinch nostrils, one breath every 5 seconds)
5️⃣ Stay with them until emergency help arrives

Visit the link in the comments to get free Narcan mailed to your home or find it locally through our Overdose Prevention Partners. ⤵️