Alcohol Resources

What does problem alcohol use look like?

What is Binge Drinking?
Iowa Substance Abuse Brief on rates and risks of binge drinking.

General alcohol use fact sheet
Institute for the Advancement of Behavioral Healthcare infographic on alcohol use.

Binge drinking among Iowans fact sheet
Iowa Substance Abuse Brief on binge drinking rates and problems in Iowa.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol? Here's What Happens When Heavy Drinkers Blackout
Medical Daily article on the science behind alcohol-related blackouts.

Alcohol Facts and Statistics
National Institute of Health webpage on alcohol use and risks.

How to Cut Down on your Drinking (NIAAA) brochure. In Spanish.
NIAAA brochures (English and Spanish) with tips on how to reduce drinking.

Who is at risk for problem alcohol use?

A Day in the Life of Older Adults: Substance Use Facts
The CBHSQ Report article on alcohol and other substance use by older adults.

A look at alcohol use by college students
College Drinking webpage on prevalence and consequences of alcohol use for college students.

Underage drinking facts
CDC webpage on drinking levels and consequences among youth.

How does alcohol use impact mental health?

Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Depression overview
Mental Health American webpage on warning signs, consequences and health impacts of binge drinking.

Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators report
SAMHSA results report from 2015 nation survey on drug use and health.

How does alcohol use impact pregnancy?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders overview
CDC website on cause, prevention, identification and treatment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions about drinking during pregnancy
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism webpage on impacts of alcohol during pregnancy.

Risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy
March of Dimes webpage with video and FAQs on alcohol use during pregnancy.

How do I help someone in my family?

Alcohol and drug addiction happens in the best of families brochure
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services brochure on impacts of drug use on children and families.

Parenting to prevent childhood alcohol use
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism webpage on tips to prevent alcohol use by children.

A guide to action for families to prevent and reduce underage drinking
Department of Health and Human Services publication on underage drinking risks and prevention.

What risks are associated with problem drinking?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign against drunk driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration webpage with drunk driving statistics, risks, costs, and more.

Alcohol-related injuries infographic and fact sheet 
University of Illinois at Chicago infographic on alcohol-related injuries and risks.

Alcohol overdose or poisoning basics
College Drinking webpage on health information, risks and what to do when someone experiences an alcohol overdose.

Consequences of underage drinking
SAMSHA webpage on risks of underage drinking with downloadable PDF resources.

Underage drinking “What gets crushed when you drink?”
Iowa Department of Public Health webpage with video, text and graphic resources on risks and consequences of underage drinking.

How can alcohol use impact my children?

Effects of parental substance abuse on children and families
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress article on the impact of substance abuse on children.

National Association for Children of Alcoholics
NACoA website with resources for family intervention, training, facts, videos and more on the impact of problem alcohol use on children.

Adult Children of Alcoholics literature
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization website with literature, meeting information, resources and more.

Get the facts on alcohol and the impact abusing alcohol can have on people 
SAMHSA resource on how alcohol abuse can have on loved ones.

Alateen: a fellowship of young Al-Anon members brochure
Al-Anon Family Groups introduction to Alateen groups for teens and young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Where can I find help?

Tips for how to recognize when to get help
Help Guide article on recognizing problem alcohol use.

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website with resources for identifying problem alcohol use and finding treatment options in your area.

Drinking Driver Course locations and information
Iowa Department of Education drinking driver course information, forms and contact information.

Rethinking Drinking - Alcohol and Your Health - TOOLS 
NIAAA resources to help you rethink alcohol and your health.

Iowa impaired boating regulations
Iowa Department of Natural Resources webpage on boating and drinking regulations and consequences.

Brain Injury Resources

Want to learn about how to accommodate symptoms of brain injury?

Accommodating TBI Booklet (PDF)
PDF from the Ohio Valley Center for Brain Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation with contributions from the Minnesota Department of Human Services State Operated Services

Accommodation Tip Sheets
Evidence-Based Tip Sheets to Support Individuals With Accommodations Following Brain Injury from the Brain Injury Alliance

Accommodation Tip Sheets for Professionals
Evidence-Based Tip Sheets for Professionals to Support Individuals With Accommodations Following Brain Injury from the Brain Injury Alliance

Do you know how to support individuals with brain injury?

Building Capacity for Brain Injury (PDF)
A guide for organizations to develop capacity to work with people who experience brain injury

National Center of Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems
Website for NCAPPS, an initiative from the Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to help implement person-centered thinking

What should you know about COVID-19 and brain injury?

Brain Injury Alliance Iowa resources
List of national, state, and local resources about COVID-19

IDPH COVID-19 resources
List of links about testing, vaccinations, and quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 from the Iowa Department of Public Health

Looking for a support group?

Brain Injury Alliance Iowa list of support groups
Calendar of BIAIA events and list of area support groups

Looking for more on brain injury and multi-occuring conditions? 

Brain Injury and Child Welfare

Brain Injury & Parenting PDF
PDF that explains why brain injury screenings are necessary for parents involved in the child welfare system

Brain Injury and Homelessness

Homelessness & Brain Injury PDF
PDF that explains the underrecognized relationship between brain injury and homelessness

Brain Injury and Substance Abuse

Intersection of Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder Tool Kit (PDF)
PDF that explains the underrecognized relationship between brain injury and homelessness

Client Workbook on Substance Use and Brain Injury (PDF)
Workbook with facilitated lessons for individuals who may be experiencing brain injury and substance use

Brain Injury and Substance Use resources
List of resources about brain injury and substance use disorder from the Brain Injury Alliance Iowa

Brain Injury and Refugees

Refugee Population & Brain Injury (PDF)
PDF from the Brain Injury Alliance Iowa on the underrecognized relationship between refugee populations and brain injury

Brain Injury and Criminal/Juvenile Justice

NASHIA website with resources
Website of information on criminal juvenile justice and brain injury from NASHIA.

Brain Injury and Behavioral/Mental Health

Brain Injury and Mental Health resources
Resources from the Brain Injury Alliance Iowa on the intersection between mental health and brain injury

Brain Injury and Children

Children's Behavioral Health & Brain Injury PDF
PDF from the Brain Injury Alliance Iowa about the relationship between children's behavior and brain injury

Get Schooled on Concussions and Covid website
Agency website designed to "empower educators to take control over how cognitive inefficiency, impacting learning, is handled in your classroom."

Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence

Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury: Promising Practices for Domestic Violence Programs (PDF)
An overview of brain injury caused by violence from The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury

Bullying Resources

Want to learn more about the impacts of bullying?

Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment information
Iowa Department of Education resources on bullying, including legal requirements, data reporting, and resources.

Cerebral Palsy and Bullying article
Cerebral Palsy Guidance article on potential impacts of bullying on children with cerebral palsy.

Governor’s Office for Bullying Prevention program
University of Northern Iowa program focusing on violence prevention.

Media guidelines for bullying prevention
Facts, best practices, and guidelines for covering bullying in the media.

Looking for prevention information?

National Crime Prevention Council
Tips and programs for parents, children, training and more to prevent and respond to bullying.

Stop Bullying organization
Comprehensive website with tools, resources and tips to prevent and respond to bullying.

Bullying resources of educators
Iowa Safe Schools webpage with tips to prevent and respond to bullying in the school setting.

Drug Resources

How prevalent is substance use?

Meth Use in Iowa 
Methamphetamine Use in Iowa Prevention Response Workshop (March 2022) PDF of slide show.

Iowa methamphetamine substance abuse brief
Iowa Substance Abuse Brief on methamphetamine use in Iowa, youth risk and access, and related deaths.

Methamphetamine infographic
Your Life Iowa PDF fact sheet on methamphetamine use in Iowa, side effects and risks.

Iowa Drug Trends
Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy slideshow on drug trends in Iowa (June 2021).

What are common illegal drugs?

Commonly Used Drugs chart
National Institute on Drug Abuse information chart of commonly used drugs, including cocaine, ketamine, PCP and salvia.

Club Drugs

Club drugs overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about club drugs.

What are club drugs?
MedlinePlus webpage with overview of club drugs and steps to protect yourself.

Club and Date Rape Drugs
Palo Alto Medical Foundation site with information on how to protect yourself.

Ecstacy (MDMA)
Information for teens from NIDA.

Crack and Cocaine

Cocaine and Crack overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about cocaine and crack.

Cocaine overview
Comprehensive information from NIDA.

In the Know Zone: Cocaine
Syndistar site with cocaine information, images, statistics, street names, history, cocaine and the brain, short and long-term effects.

Mind Over Matter: Cocaine
Cocaine information for teens from NIDA.

Inhalants

Inhalants overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about inhalants.

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
Information on inhalants and huffing. Statistics, how to recognize signs of inhalant use, tips for teachers, products abused as inhalants, FAQs, prevention campaign, Spanish version.

Inhalants.DrugAbuse.Gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse, (NIDA), site that collects all NIDA's information on inhalants in one place.

Marijuana

Marijuana overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about marijuana.

Marijuana & Other Drugs: A Link We Can’t Ignore (SAM)
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) PDF on marijuana use and the connection to other drug use.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) website with facts, resources, news and more on marijuana.

Marijuana Legilization in Iowa
Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

Marijuana Facts
Marijuana information from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Marijuana Facts (NIDA)
Presents science-based information on the effects of marijuana use on the body and brain. A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) sponsored site.

Is Marijuana Medicine?
Drug facts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about methamphetamine.

Iowa Substance Abuse Brief (June 2018)
This Iowa Substance Abuse Brief from June 2018 (Issue 6) provides information about the prevention, use and treatment of methamphetamine in Iowa.

In The Know: Amphetamine
Comprehensive site with amphetamine photos, history, statistics, and street names.

Just Think Twice
A youth-oriented site created by the DEA's Demand Reduction Program.

Meth Awareness
A USDOJ site that includes a images of meth, meth labs, photos of users, effect on users, more.

Methamphetamine Infographic
An infographic highlighting current Iowa and national statistics on methamphetamine use.

The Meth Project
The Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach.

National Indian County Methamphetamine Initiative 
There are lots of cool things about being native. Meth isn't one of them. An anti-methamphetamine ad campaign for a Native American audience. 

Meth Use in Iowa
PDF of slide show from Methamphetamine Use in Iowa Prevention Response Workshop (March 2022)

Opioids 

Opioids overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about opioids.

The Danger of Fake Pills
Your Life Iowa webpage with information and images about fake prescription pills and their related risks.

Iowa's Good Samaratin Law
Learn about Iowa's Good Samaritan Law and available media.

Iowa Opioid Impacts and Solutions
An interactive mapping tool of Iowa opioid data.

Learn more about opioids
National Institute on Drug Abuse page on opioids.

Opioid Addiction
Someone addicted to opioids is a real person with a real illness. And they deserve to be treated humanely, and with understanding of the challenges they're going through.

Naloxone
Did you know you can purchase naloxone at your local pharmacy without a prescription?

Prescription Drugs are Still Drugs
Did you know four out of five new heroin users started with prescription drugs like Oxycodone?

RX Pain Medications: Know the Options - Get the Facts
A series of 13 fact sheets designed to increase awareness of the risks associated with prescription opioid use and misuse, as well as to educate patients who are prescribed opioids for pain about the risks and to provide resources on methods for alternative pain management from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Women and Opioids
Do you know the group of women most at risk for an opioid overdose?

Prescription Drugs and Cold Medicine

Prescription drugs and cold medicines overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about prescription drugs and cold medicines.

The Danger of Fake Pills
Your Life Iowa webpage with information and images about fake prescription pills and their related risks.

Take Away - Environmental Return System
The Iowa Pharmacy Association sponsored program that provides the public with a safe, easy way to properly dispose of unwanted and expired medications. TakeAway uses community pharmacies across the state as take-back site.

Prescription Drugs (NIDA)
NIDA site with links to research reports, infofacts, new releases, more.

National Take-Back Initiative Day
On specific days throughout the year, the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

RX Drug Drop Box
The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) has launched a program designed to significantly reduce the prescription drugs in American homes that are either no longer needed or outdated.Therefore, NADDI has developed this webpage to provide the locations of law enforcement sites that are accepting prescription drugs throughout the United States. 

RX Pain Medications: Know the Options - Get the Facts 
A series of 13 fact sheets designed to increase awareness of the risks associated with prescription opioid use and misuse, as well as to educate patients who are prescribed opioids for pain about the risks and to provide resources on methods for alternative pain management (SAMHSA).

Report Illicit Pharmaceutical Activities 
US Dept. of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration.

Good Medicine, Bad Behavior 
Drug diversion in America. DEA sponsored site.

Prescription Drug Abuse 
Medline Plus website with information about prescription drug abuse.

Stop Medicine Abuse 
StopMedicineAbuse.org was created by the leading makers of OTC cough medicines.

Synthetics

Synthetics overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about synthetics.

The Danger of Fake Pills
Your Life Iowa webpage with information and images about fake prescription pills and their related risks.

Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center 
For poison emergency, call 1-800-222-1222 (voice and TTY).

Synthetics Fact Sheet  
Comprehensive information on K2, spice, bath salts, and salvia from the Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP). 

Emerging Drugs 
Information on K2/spice, bath salts, flakka and many more - National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Synthetic Cathinones Fact Sheet  
Information on "bath salts," a human-made stimulants chemically related to cathinone - National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The Danger of Fake Pills
Your Life Iowa webpage with information and images about fake prescription pills and their related risks.

Tobacco and Nicotine

Tobacco and Nicotine overview
Your Life Iowa webpage with definition, side effects and resources about tobacco and nicotine.

Quitline Iowa 
Quitline Iowa is a toll-free, statewide tobacco cessation telephone counseling hotline (1-800-784-8669). Trained counselors provide callers with information about the health consequences of tobacco use, assistance in making an individualized quit plan, and ongoing support through optional follow-up calls.

My Life My Quit 
At My Life, My Quit we share the truth about nicotine, vaping and other tobacco products. If you decide you want to quit, we're here to help you do it successfully. Text "Start My Quit" to 855.891.9989 or call to talk with a coach who is ready to listen and cheer you on. It's YOUR LIFE and we're here to help you live it YOUR WAY.

Vaping, E-Cigarettes & Electronic Smoking Devices 
Find up to date information on Vaping from the Iowa Department of Public Health Division of Tobacco Use Prevention and Control.

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids 
A leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. We advocate for public policies proven to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. Learn more about our key initiatives.

Iowa Dept. of Public Health 
Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Programs, events, master tobacco settlement agreement, publications and fact sheets, statistics.

Tobacco.org 
Tobacco news and information, quotes, resources, links, and tobacco history.

Smoking and Tobacco Use 
CDC Site with tobacco information for all ages. Includes Surgeon General's tobacco reports, data, statistics and fact sheets, cessation information, educational materials, and campaigns and events.

The American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2020 
The American Lung Association has released its annual State of Tobacco Control report grading all 50 states on their policies to reduce tobacco addiction, diseases and death. Find out if your state has the policies in place to get the job done.

American Cancer Society 
Smoking health issues, public issues, quitting smoking, the Great American Smokeout, smoking-related cancers.

National Cancer Institute 
Valuable cancer-related health information. Tobacco, smoking and cessation fact sheets.

Are teens at risk?

Tips for Teens: The Truth About Methamphetamine
SAMHSA PDF download factsheet on methamphetamine for teens.

Heroin, Fentanyl & other Opioids resource for families with a teen or young adult
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The Medicine Abuse Project publication on drug use and what to do if your child is using drugs.

Inhalant Information for Teens
Comprehensive information for teens from NIDA.

Cocaine facts for teens
Information for teens from AbovetheInfluence.org.

Stimulant information for teens
Information on stimulants (cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, amphetamines, ritalin and adderall) from NIDA for teens.

Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know
National Institute on Drug Abuse webpage with facts about marijuana use in teens, FAQs, tips to start a conversation and other resources.

PEERx: RX Abuse is Drug Abuse
Comprehensive information for Teens from NIDA.

Make Up Your Own Mind About Cough Medicine
A Partnership for Drug-Free Kids site about cough and cold medicine abuse for teens.

How are substance use and mental health connected?

Mental health and substance use disorders fact sheet
SAMHSA article on the impact substance abuse can have on mental health with links to additional resources.

Are prescription drugs still drugs?

Iowa’s Prescription Monitoring Program
Iowa Department of Public Health and partnering agency infographic on controlled substances and the prescription monitoring program.

Rx Pain Medications PDF files
SAMHSA Rx Pain Medication PDF documents on prescription drug topics including drug interactions, safe storage and disposal and risks of opioid pain medication.

Where can I access legal resources?

Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law
Your Life Iowa’s facts, flyers and video on Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law that protects you if you witness a drug overdose and call 911.

Involuntary Commitment or Treatment in Iowa
Iowa Judicial Branch’s overview of Iowa law for court proceedings for the involuntary commitment, treatment or hospitalization of someone who suffers a serious mental impairment or has a substance-related disorder.

How can I help someone concerning their drug use?

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose
Your Life Iowa flyer on naloxone, available at a pharmacy without a prescription; it can reverse an opioid overdose.

Addressing addiction through Family Behavior Therapy
I Am in Control Drug Rehabilitation Services webpage on Family Behavior Therapy, families and addiction, and more.

Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opioid epidemic resource toolkit, focusing on faith and community leaders bring “hope and healing” to communities.

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction Drug facts
National Institute on Drug Abuse webpage and PDF on drug addiction, what happens in the brain, and more.

How can illegal drug use impact friends and family?

Who will you hurt if you use meth?
Iowa Department of Public Health 30-second YouTube video illustrating the impact parental drug abuse can have on children.

You could lose a lot if you smoke weed
Iowa Department of Public Health 30-second YouTube video illustrating the impact weed usage can have on a teen and their family.

Television

HBO Addiction documentary
HBO documentary “Addiction” challenging traditional beliefs about addiction and trends and treatments in the ongoing battle against drug and alcohol abuse; available for streaming.

Where can I find support and information?

In the Rooms online recovery group
Global Recovery Community recovery group online search tool.

Iowa Narcotics Anonymous
Iowa Region of Narcotics Anonymous website with meeting listens, events, resources and more.

CRUSH of Iowa (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin) Facebook group
Eastern Iowa support group in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos en español?

Instituto Nacional sobre Abuso de Drogas
Instituto Nacional sobre Abuso de Drogas website with information on programs, resources, news and more.

 

Gambling Resources

What does problem gambling look like?

Tips on understanding problem gambling brochure
1-800 BETS OFFF brochure containing information on what is gambling, why people gamble too much, how to help and more.

Iowa Gambling Treatment Program reports and studies
Iowa Gambling Treatment Program studies on gambling attitudes and behaviors, youth problem gambling and more.

Gambling Responsibly
1-800 BETS OFFF brochure contains information on how to prevent problem gambling and how to identify if it’s an issue.

NCAA study on sports betting
NCAA research on gambling and collegiate athletics.

Who is at risk for problem gambling?

Internet Gambling
1-800 BETS OFFF brochure contains information on the differences in online gambling and how to identify if your online gambling is an issue.

Sports Betting
1-800 BETS OFFF brochure contains information on who is at risk, myths, and how to know when sports betting is an issue.

Gambling Myths
1-800 BETS OFFF brochure contains information on gambling myths, facts and more.

How does problem gambling impact mental health?

Effects of Problem Gambling on the Gambler article
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) article on impacts problem gambling can have on those who experience it.

How do I help a friend or family member concerning their problem gambling?

Problem Gambling Guide for Parents
Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario PDF resource for talking to your child about problem gambling and finding support.

How can problem gambling impact friends and family?

Gambling and family: A two-way relationship article
Journal of Behavioral Addictions journal article discussing the impacts gambling can have on family members.

Families Living with Problem Gambling: Impacts, Coping Strategies and Help Seeking
The Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice journal article on the impacts gambling can have on family members.

What risks are associated with problem gambling?

What You Will Lose
1-800 BETS OFF brochure which shows signs of a gambling problem and how to get help.

Player’s Real Winnings 
1-800 BETS OFF brochure provides information on the “percent return” you actually take home when gambling.

Where can I find support and information?

20 Questions: Are you a Compulsive Gambler?
Gambler’s Anonymous offers a 20 question quiz to help you identify if your gambling is a problem.

Free online screening tools
National Council on Problem Gambling screening tools.

This is the First Step to Change
1-800 BETS OFF brochure contains information on signs of problem gambling and how to seek help.

Help Will Find You
1-800 BETS OFF brochure contains information on problem gambling being a treatable condition.  Support. encouragement and information, including warning signs and information about getting help for gambling problems.

Iowa’s Volunteer Self-Exclusion Programs brochure
1-800 BETS OFF brochure on Iowa’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion program as an option to help Iowans manage problem gambling.

Get Help Now
1-800 BETS OFF brochure contains information on whether gambling has become a problem and where to access support.

Iowa Problem Gambling Services
Iowa Problem Gambling Services information, contact information, funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Tax Refunds and Reporting Gambling Losses
1-800 BETS OFF brochure on tax refunds and reporting gambling loses, tips on identifying if your gambling is an issue and more.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos en español?

La biologia cerebral y el trastorno relacionado con el juego
Folleto del Departamento de Salud Pública de Iowa sobre la biología del cerebro detrás del trastorno del juego y lo que significa para el tratamiento.

Children’s Mental Health

What is children’s mental health?

Child Mind Institute website
Website of resources for families on education, care and research on children’s mental illness and mental health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
CDC website with child-focused mental health resources for parents, caregivers and more.

Sesame Street in Communities resources
Sesame Street TV show-related resources on talking to children about coping with traumatic experiences.

The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide PDF
PDF report from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control on bullying and suicide and what it means for parents, youth and schools.

How do I help a friend or family member concerning children’s mental health?

Teen Mental Health.org website
Easy to read website with resources for teens, friends, parents and more on identifying, management and getting help for mental illness.

Your Life Your Voice website
Boys Town webpage with information on mental illness, stress and coping, thoughts of suicide and more with a teen and family focus.

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) resources
List of resources geared toward teens, including support for bullying, depression, eating disorders, mental health and more.

Where can I find LGBTQ+ and Ally resources?

Trans Lifeline organization
Phone line and nonprofit organization offering emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. English and Spanish call line available.

The Trevor Project organization
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Where can I find additional support and information?

You Matter website
You Matter, a website of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Access free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, prevention crisis and resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services
Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7, free crisis intervention and prevention services across Iowa.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos en español?

Información y recursos de Salud Mental Infantil
Información que puede descargar sobre la salud mental de los niños, incluyendo TDAH, buscando ayuda y lidiando con traumas.

Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
Información sobre la salud mental de los niños de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades.

 

 

Adult Mental Health

What is mental health?

National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa website
NAMI Iowa website with education, support resources, peer support trainings and more.

Mental Health America (MHA) website
MHA website with education, support resources, public policy information and more on mental health.

National Council for Behavioral Health website
Website with mental health policy, consulting and training, educational topics, events and more for children, adults and families.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) website
ADAA website with education, resources and more for managing feelings of anxiety and depression.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Anxiety Disorders website
NAMI webpage on anxiety disorder symptoms, types of anxiety disorders, causes, treatment and more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on depression and anxiety website
CDC webpage on depression and anxiety symptoms, causes, risks, treatment and more.

Where can I find LGBTQ+ and ally resources?

Trans Lifeline organization
Phone line and nonprofit organization offering emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. English and Spanish call line available.

The Trevor Project organization
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Where can I find additional support and information?

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, prevention crisis and resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services
Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7, free crisis intervention and prevention services across Iowa.

Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) website
The OCA is operated by NAMI Iowa and offers phone, email, and social media support for people with serious mental illness and parents of children with serious emotional disorders. Education, awareness and training opportunities are available.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos en español?

Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
Información sobre la ansiedad y la depresión de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades.

MentalHealth.gov sitio web sobre salud mental
Sitio web con variedad de recursos de salud mental, apoyo y herramientas.

Suicide

Having thoughts of suicide or difficulty coping?

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, prevention crisis and resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services
Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides 24/7, free crisis intervention and prevention services across Iowa.

HelpGuide: Suicide Prevention website
HelpGuide website with suicide prevention resources, warning signs, coping tips, bipolar and PTSD resources, and more.

How do I help a friend or family member concerning thoughts of suicide?

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Suicide Prevention
Resources on suicide warning signs, what to do if you believe someone is thinking about suicide and more.

SAMHSA Suicide Prevention Facts & Resources fact sheet
Two page fact sheet on suicide prevention facts and resources including warning signs, risk factors, and prevention resources.

Know the Signs interactive website
Interactive website on identifying signs of suicide, knowing what to say and reaching out for help.

A Manager’s Guide to Suicide Postvention in the Workplace
PDF guide on responding to a crisis, managing each phase of the postvention process, and more as an employer or manager.

High School Teachers & Prevention PDF
Suicide Prevention Resource Center PDF guide on reducing suicide risk among high school students.

Law Enforcement & Prevention PDF  
PDF resource of key steps to reducing suicide risk as a police officer.

EMS Providers & Prevention PDF
PDF resource of key steps to reducing suicide risk as an emergency medical professional.

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention organization
A public-private organization partnership that works to transform health systems and communities and change the conversation around suicide.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) organization
Nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping people with the right tools.

American Academy of Suicidology website
Association of mental health professionals working to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those affected by it.

Where can I find LGBTQ+ and ally resources?

Trans Lifeline organization
Phone line and nonprofit organization offering emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. English and Spanish call line available.

The Trevor Project organization
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Talking about Suicide & LGBT Populations reports
Downloadable report on facts about suicide and LGBT people, tips for talking about suicide safely and accuracy, and more.

Where can I find additional support and information?

Your Handbook for Recovery after a Suicide Attempt (SAMHSA) guide
This SAMHSA resource guides people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. 

A guide to taking care of family after a suicide attempt brochure
A Suicide Prevention Resource Center brochure on helping a loved one after they receive medical care after a suicide attempt.

Live Through This stories
Collection of portraits and true stories of suicide attempt survivors.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services support groups
Foundation 2 Crisis Services offers free suicide survivors bereavement and depressive and anxiety disorder support groups in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Iowa Suicide Bereavement support groups
List of adult/adolescent suicide bereavement support groups in Iowa.

Where can I find additional support and information?

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
PDF guide on responding to a crisis, helping students cope, working with the community, and more for educators.

Suicide Safe Mobile App
PDF guide on responding to a crisis, helping students cope, working with the community, and more for educators.

AFSP resources for journalists
Video and text resources on reporting on suicide including statistics and guidance for reporting safely and accurately about suicide.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos en español?

Línea directa de prevención de suicidio
Llame a la línea directa gratuita las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana para intervención y apoyo suicidas en español.

Después de un intento de suicidio
Una guía en PDF sobre cómo ayudar a alguien después de un intento de suicidio.

Recovery

Looking for Iowa-specific recovery resources?

Alcoholics Anonymous (Iowa- Area 24) 
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. 

• District 3 (AA) - Central Iowa (Ames Intergroup)
• District 7 (AA) - Des Moines
• District 8 (AA) - Cedar Rapids
• District 9 (AA) - Quad Cities
• District 13 (AA) - Iowa City
• Sioux Falls (AA)

C.R.U.S.H. of Iowa (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin)
List of heroin addiction support group meetings in Linn County, IA.

Iowa Alcoholics Anonymous
Meeting information, events, newsletter, and more for Iowa Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship.

Iowa Region of Narcotics Anonymous
Nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.

Looking for an online recovery support group?

AA Online Intergroup
The OIAA Directory features a variety of online AA meetings, worldwide; featuring various formats such as video, telephone conferences, email or chat and in many languages. 

Cocaine Anonymous Online
List of online CA meetings.

LifeRing Chat Room
An abstinence-based, secular, and self-empowered addiction recovery pathway through our meetings and support network.

Marijuana Anonymous Online Meetings
List of online MA meetings.

Miracles In Progress Online Group of Narcotics Anonymous
Online NA meetings.

Nicotine Anonymous Internet Meetings
Online NA meetings.

Staying Cyber: AA Meetings for the WWW
Staying Cyber is a series of weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Online Al-Anon
Al-Anon Family Groups on the Internet.

Overeaters Anonymous
Online OA meetings.

Women For Sobriety Program online community
Online community geared toward women in recovery.

Looking for support with recovery from problem alcohol use?

Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholic Anonymous resources, meeting locator, and more.

Dual Recovery Anonymous
Independent self-help membership organization for people who are chemically dependent and affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness.

LifeRing
Alternative support group that provides an abstinence-based, secular, and self-empowered addiction recovery pathway through our meeting and support network.

SMART Recovery
Self-Management and Recovery Training support meetings that are free to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery.

White Bison
Nonprofit resource offering sobriety, recovery, addiction prevention, and wellness resources to Native America.

Want to connect with support for recovery from substance use?

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families is a program of people who grew up in dysfunctional homes.

Chemically Dependent Anonymous
Chemically Dependent Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for anyone seeking freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. 

Cocaine Anonymous
Fellowship open to anyone who desires to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.

Crystal Meth Anonymous
Resource for people to share their experience, strength, and hope to help others recover from addiction to crystal meth.

Dual Recovery Anonymous
Independent self-help membership organization for people who are chemically dependent and affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness.

LifeRing
An alternative support group that provides an abstinence-based, secular, and self-empowered addiction recovery pathway through our meeting and support network.

Marijuana Anonymous
Unaffiliated fellowship of individuals who desire to stop using marijuana.

Marijuana Anonymous Online
Free online meetings and chat for individuals who wish to stay free of marijuana and help marijuana addicts achieve the same freedom.

Nicotine Anonymous
12 step program for those who desire to stop using nicotine, including using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids.

SMART Recovery
Self-Management and Recovery Training support meetings that are free to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery.

White Bison
Nonprofit resource offering sobriety, recovery, addiction prevention, and wellness resources to Native America.

TobaccoFree.org 
Organization aims is to educate people of all ages about smoking and tobacco use.

TobaccoFreeLife.org  
Information and tips on how to get started, make a plan, and stay tobacco free.

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
Information on secondhand smoke, smoke-free advocacy, tobacco industry information, and current nonsmokers campaigns.

Searching for a gambling recovery organization?

Gamblers Anonymous
Fellowship, resources, and information for anyone who desires to stop gambling.

Are you a family member and friend looking for recovery support?

Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization
ACA supports adults who grew up in dysfunctional homes in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Al-Anon family groups
Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics.

Co-Anon family groups
Fellowship of individuals with loved ones who are addicted to cocaine and other mind-altering substances.

Nar-Anon family groups
12 step program for family and friends of addicts.

Looking for something else?

Youth-based services

Association of Recovery Schools
Nonprofit organization of recovery high schools, associate members, and those who support the recovery high school movement.

Spiritual-based organizations

Celebrate Recovery
A Christ-centered 12 step recovery program.

Overcomers Outreach
Christian recovery support group using the 12 steps and scriptures.

Women-only recovery organizations

Women for Sobriety
Organization to help all women find their individual path to recovery through the discovery of self.

Other recovery organizations

Debtors Anonymous
12-step recovery program for people who want to stop incurring unsecured debt.

Co-Dependents Anonymous International
Support for forming healthy, loving relationships free of codependence.

Overeaters Anonymous
A community of people who through shared experiences, strength and hope are recovering from unhealthy relationships with food and body image.

Recoveries Anonymous
Program for individuals who have yet to find a full recovery from their problems and behaviors. 

Sex Addicts Anonymous
Fellowship of men and women who share their experiences to overcome sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency.

Need more information?

Addiction Recovery Message Boards
The Addiction Recovery Guide website with public message boards.

Aftercare for Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Foundation Recovery Network information on relapse prevention, 12-step programs, transitional services, and more.

Recovery and Support (SAMHSA)
Article of resources for recovery and recovery support.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Online
Link to the Alcoholics Anonymous text materials.

Your Life Iowa

Looking for print materials?

Your Life Iowa/1-800-BETS OFF Order Form

Use this form to request free print resource materials. They generally ship the same week the form is submitted. For more information click here. 

Your Life Iowa Media Center

Find current Your Life Iowa brochures, posters, radio and TV spots, and more.

Want to learn more about Your Life Iowa?

Your Life Iowa SFY 2021 Annual Report 

A review of key accomplishments and activities during SFY 2021.