The latest issue of Prevention Pulse offers timely updates on addiction trends, mental health, and community wellness. Published weekly by Wellspring Center for Prevention, this newsletter keeps families, professionals, and advocates informed and engaged in building healthier communities.
Addiction News & Policy Updates: Week of June 1, 2025
Each week, we spotlight key developments that impact prevention, mental health, and addiction recovery efforts nationwide. This week’s headlines reveal a mix of encouraging progress, growing concerns, and significant policy shifts.
Overdose Deaths Drop in NY State
New York reported a striking 27% drop in overdose deaths in 2024, with an estimated 80,000 lives lost compared to 110,000 the year before. Health experts credit this downturn to expanded public health strategies, improved access to treatment programs, and increased distribution of overdose-reversal medications like naloxone. The data signals hopeful momentum, even as overdose deaths remain a critical challenge. Source: The Highlands Current
What Parents Should Know About Teen Screen Time and Mental Health
Meanwhile, as concerns over youth mental health continue to grow, experts are urging parents to examine their own digital habits. A recent piece from MyCentralJersey emphasizes that modeling healthy screen behavior at home is one of the most effective ways to protect teens from the mental health impacts of excessive screen time. Recommended strategies include setting firm but fair boundaries, discussing online content openly, and encouraging more offline family time. Source: MyCentralJersey
America’s Poison Centers Warns Public About Dangers of Pink Cocaine
On the substance misuse front, America’s Poison Centers issued a national alert about “pink cocaine,” a synthetic drug that combines substances like ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Although its name suggests a single substance, “pink cocaine” varies in composition and has already resulted in 18 reported exposures across four states since January, many of them requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization. Source: Patch
Jersey City, Bayonne Pharmacies to Pay Large Fines for False Billing
In New Jersey, four pharmacies in Jersey City and Bayonne will pay substantial fines to resolve allegations of fraudulent billing practices. The settlements, which address violations of the False Claims Act involving federal healthcare programs, highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on healthcare fraud and protect the integrity of public resources. Source: TAPinto
How Cuts to the Nation’s Main Mental Health Agency Could Impact Americans
Finally, a major federal reorganization has raised alarm among healthcare providers. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is being dissolved and absorbed into a broader agency structure, resulting in the loss of nearly one-third of its workforce. Lawmakers and advocates warn that this move could destabilize critical mental health services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and support for rural and community-based behavioral health programs. Source: NPR
From promising state-level progress to new national risks and system-wide changes, this week’s stories underscore the importance of staying informed and involved in prevention work.
Upcoming CEU Trainings for CADCs, LCADCs & CPS
Wellspring’s professional development series continues this month with two engaging virtual opportunities designed for prevention professionals and certified counselors looking to sharpen their skills and earn continuing education credits.
On June 27, Joel Levine leads the Renewal Training course: Marijuana, a one-day virtual session offering 6 CEUs approved for CADC and LCADC renewal. Participants will explore the evolving legal landscape of marijuana use, its implications for prevention strategies, and how to address common challenges in client education and community programming. The training runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Certified Prevention Specialists can take a deeper dive into evaluation strategies with the two-day course Prevention Program Evaluation, scheduled for June 26–27. Held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day, this CPS course introduces strategic frameworks and user-friendly tools for measuring impact, strengthening prevention initiatives, and using data to drive continuous improvement.
See our full list of upcoming CEU trainings for addiction professionals.
Youth Mental Health & Prevention Blog Highlights
This week on the blog, we’re tackling timely issues affecting youth mental health, healthy development, and school life, offering practical strategies for parents, educators, and prevention professionals.
Teen Gambling: Warning Signs Parents Should Know
In Teen Gambling: Warning Signs and Prevention Tips, we examine the growing concern around youth gambling behaviors. The post outlines common red flags to watch for, such as secrecy, unexplained money, or increased risk-taking, and provides guidance on how to intervene early to protect teens from long-term harm.
Why You Should Help Your Child Develop Strong Interpersonal Skills
Our post on Building Interpersonal Skills in Children highlights why developing social and emotional intelligence is so essential in early life. From encouraging active listening to fostering empathy, this blog offers actionable ways adults can help kids build strong, healthy relationships from a young age.
Phones in Schools: New Jersey’s Debate on Safety, Mental Health, and Learning
Finally, Phones in NJ Schools dives into the ongoing conversation around banning phones in schools. As districts across New Jersey weigh new restrictions, the piece explores how phones affect learning, mental health, and student safety, drawing on insights from teachers, lawmakers, and caregivers.
Whether you’re looking for prevention tips or a deeper understanding of the issues affecting our youth, our blog is here to support informed action and healthy communities.
In Case You Missed It
If you or someone you know is in need of help, don’t hesitate to contact the Middlesex County Behavioral Health Navigators at 732-745-3810 or explore our confidential treatment referral tool. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 anytime.