Substance Use Crisis Response Training

The Substance Use Crisis Training program provides education and resources on substance use crisis response and the intersections of mental health and substance use crises. We are committed to providing training for crisis workers to better understand substance misuse and substance use disorders in a crisis situation that reflects best practices and reduces stigma for individuals who use substances.

Training Modules

Training on demand information here.

Module One: Introduction to Substance Use Crisis

This online course provides a foundation for understanding what a substance use crisis is and how substance use impacts behavioral health emergencies. Participants will gain an understanding of state and federal models for an integrated continuum of crisis services, as well as being introduced to the importance of appropriate response services for a crisis involving substance use. Participants will understand the potential impacts and prevalence of substance use and suicide, overdose, and violence.

If this is your first visit to the Substance Use Crisis training series, we recommend beginning with this module.

Module Two: Commonly Used Drugs

This online course will increase participants’ knowledge of commonly used drugs, related terminology, and how to recognize symptoms of substance use during a crisis encounter. Participants will learn to distinguish among different types and classes of drugs, and about the specific health and safety risks associated with each substance. This course also explores the relationship between mental health and substance use crises.

Participants who are not yet familiar with the signs and symptoms of substance use, physiological effects of drugs and alcohol, or how to recognize substance use risks during a crisis encounter, or learners who could use a refresher on these topics, will benefit from completing this module.