Alcohol and Substance Use
OHA supports the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission's Statewide Strategic Plan to reduce harms associated with alcohol and substance use.
Tobacco and excessive alcohol use can cause and complicate many chronic diseases, including addiction. Reducing substance use and improving behavioral health are key priorities for
Oregon's State Health Improvement Plan.
Excessive Alcohol Use
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Reducing Opioid Overdose and Misuse
Opioid misuse and overdose are an increasing health threat in Oregon. Opioids include prescription painkillers and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. While prescription opioid deaths have decreased more than 50% since 2006, deaths from synthetic opioids (fentanyl) and heroin have increased dramatically in recent years. OHA is implementing a multifaceted approach to reduce opioid misuse and overdose.
Opioid Overdose and MisuseNaloxone RescueHeal Safely CampaignOregon Prescribing GuidelinesOregon Opioid Settlement Funds
Cannabis and Your Health
The Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division is working to understand and minimize negative
public health impacts from cannabis use. We collect data, educate the public, work to prevent youth cannabis use, and protect children from cannabis exposure.
Consumers should exercise caution when using any cannabis product, and consult their health care provider if they intend to use cannabis products for therapeutic or medical purposes.
Cannabis and Your HealthInformation for Parents
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use. Harm reduction incorporates a variety of interventions that are part of the public health response to outbreaks of overdose and infectious diseases. OHA created a Planning and Resource Manual to support the development of local harm reduction and syringe service programs (SSP). The Planning and Resource Manual includes the manual, tools and templates, and an online resource library.
Harm ReductionSyringe Exchange ServicesHarm Reduction and SSP Manual
OHA launched two harm reduction campaigns. Save Lives Oregon connects organizations and communities that serve people who use drugs with supplies, training and resources to support them in that work. Reverse Overdose Oregon helps employers adopt opioid overdose response programs as part of their standard workplace safety protocols.