• The National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR) recently participated in a summit in Washington, D.C., focused on the importance of collaboration in pain and addiction research, education and treatment. The event ‘Making a Difference in the Opioid Epidemic through Partnership’ highlighted the collaboration between the National Center for Wellness and Recovery at Oklahoma State…

    Drs. Todd Vanderah, Mohab Ibrahim, Frank Porreca and Don Kyle, CEO of NCWR
  • April is known for bright colors, springtime weather and new life. It also marks Alcohol Awareness Month and an opportunity to breathe some of that new life into conversations with teens about alcohol ahead of all the fun festivities that come with the season.

    Friendly friends posing outdoors in the evening
  • Final Rule The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a final rule updating regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and standards for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The rule, effective April 2, 2024, with a compliance deadline of October 2, 2024, makes several COVID-19-related flexibilities permanent. The changes include allowing take-home doses…

    A doctor's prescription pad with stethoscope sitting above it and a writing pen sitting on top of it.
  • January is the perfect time for fresh starts and new traditions, making it an ideal month to explore the delightful world of mocktails. These non-alcoholic beverages are not just about skipping the booze; they’re about enhancing gatherings with creative, inclusive options that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a sober soiree or simply want to…

    Mocktails drinks, Classic long glasses or mocktail highballs, with berries, lime, herbs and ice
  • The National Center for Wellness and Recovery team recently attended Momentum: Prevention, Justice, Recovery, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

    Ann Kraft, head of strategic partnership for NCWR, attended the 2023 Momentum Prevention, Justice, Recovery Conference.
  • Methamphetamine, often known as meth, is a potent and highly addictive stimulant that casts a dark shadow over countless lives across the United States. On this National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, we are shedding light on the dangers of meth use along with its prevalence in Oklahoma and the nation. 

    Image of a spoon and needle and drug paraphernalia like you might see with Meth
  • The holiday season is typically a time of joy, shared moments and togetherness for many people. It can also be a tough time for people facing substance use disorder (SUD). The added stress that often comes with this season can include family conflicts, money problems and feeling alone, making things even harder for those dealing…

    View from above of people seated in a circle
  • Facing addiction means knowing people don’t have to be perfect in the journey. The path to recovery is different for everyone, but it will include a return to use or relapse for many people. Recognizing it as a common challenge in the recovery journey rather than a sign of failure is vital in the healing…

    Psychologist consulting concept. Doctor consult in psychotherapy session or counsel diagnosis mental health of female patient, toned
  • In conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, the DEA extended telemedicine prescribing medications flexibilities through 2024. We caught up with Dr. Kelly Dunn, Executive Director of Clinical Treatment at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery, to get her thoughts on the extension.

    A doctor about to tear off a prescription from a prescription pad. NOTE TO INSPECTOR NO SENSITIVE INFORMATION HERE.
  • September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and celebrating those in recovery. As the month ends, we must remember the recovery process is still just beginning for many people. Family and friends play a critical role in the journey. When someone hopes to support a family member…

    Silhouteted people with arms around each other watching a sunset