Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence

08/12/2026

What if recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use, but also about rebuilding a life with movement, connection, purpose, and identity?

Our latest NOCE article explores the growing “Sweat and Sobriety” movement and how physical activity can complement traditional addiction treatment and recovery support.

From walking and stretching to running and endurance activities, movement can create opportunities to build confidence, regulate stress, strengthen community, and develop an identity beyond substance use.

The goal isn’t to become an athlete. It’s to find meaningful ways to move, connect, and keep showing up.

Read the full article: https://nvopioidcoe.org/news/beyond-the-couch-why-sweat-and-sobriety-is-the-new-frontier-of-addiction-recovery/

In the traditional landscape of addiction treatment, clinical interventions like medication-assisted treatment and talk therapy are the bedrock, the emergency maneuvers that keep a person from drowning. But as Bianca D. McCall, a licensed clinical therapist and behavioral scientist, often notes, "Sa...

08/11/2026

People who inject and use drugs (PWID/PWUD) are at increased risk for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI’s) and chronic wounds.

Join on on Aug. 25 for this FREE webinar that will provide an overview of the different types of wounds and infections encountered with PWUD as well as low barrier treatment options.

Learn more and register for Wound Care for Opioid Affected Communities: https://nvopioidcoe.org/event/wound-care-for-opioid-affected-communities/?

08/10/2026

The health risks associated with excessive temperatures are further compounded with use of opioids and/or stimulants.

Respiratory depression associated with opioid use can disrupt the body's efforts to cool down¹, and stimulants can increase core body temperature while limiting discomfort that might otherwise initiate heat-avoidant behaviors.²

Whether it’s recognizing the signs of overdose or knowing where to seek support, help is available. The Opioid Response Network (ORN) provides locally meaningful education and training that is evidence-based, designed to meet your needs, and at no cost.

Let us know your needs using the “Submit a Request” form at OpioidResponseNetwork.org.



Sources:
¹Heat Exposure and Drug Overdose Mortality in the United States, National Library of Medicine: https://bit.ly/4gE9u21
²Extreme Heat and People Who Use Drugs, New York State Department of Health: https://bit.ly/3Tpxb4p

08/10/2026

Opioid overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death among adults. Surpassing motor-vehicle accidents, gun violence, and homicide.

Most of these deaths are preventable. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to delivering early intervention for individuals with risky substance/opioid use.

To learn more visit: https://nvopioidresponse.org/initiatives/opioid-response/screening/perinatal-health/

08/10/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is coming on August 31. To learn more about how to end drug overdoses and how you can help save lives visit: nvopioidcoe.org.

08/08/2026

Opioid overdoses are preventable! The End Overdose Social Media Toolkit is here to help you speak up, share facts, and save lives.

Created by in collaboration with , this free toolkit includes ready-to-use content to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid use, educate on naloxone (the lifesaving overdose reversal medication), and honor those lost leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.

Download it, share it, and be part of the movement.

Visit https://psrota-r.org/products/media-toolkit-end-overdose/

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, Bianca McCall sits down with Mark Lambert, co-founder of Lighthouse XR, to explore how virtual reality can support recovery, reflection, and human connection.

Mark shares how his career in Hollywood visual design and immersive storytelling eventually led him into the recovery space after his son’s experience with opioid addiction. From building worlds for major films to developing virtual recovery environments, Mark brings a deeply personal and creative lens to behavioral health innovation.

Together, Bianca and Mark discuss The Retreat, Lighthouse XR’s virtual reality platform designed to help people engage with recovery concepts like core values, anxiety, anger, grief, community, passion, and purpose. Rather than replacing clinicians or peers, Mark emphasizes that VR works best as a tool that creates space for reflection and then strengthens real-world connection through guided conversation.

This episode explores the promise and limitations of digital health technology, the importance of human-centered design, and how immersive storytelling may help people stay engaged through the “long middle” of recovery.

Listen to the NOCE Dose on your favorite podcast platform or visit: nvopioidcoe.org/podcast (link in bio!)

08/06/2026

We had a great time at the Family Health Festival! NOCE joined the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and a lineup of incredible community partners at Hug High School this past Saturday, all working toward the same goal: small steps to a healthier community.

Our table was busy with folks stopping by to learn about opioid resources, connect with support, and pick up information for themselves and their families. It’s always a gift to be in the same room as so many organizations doing this work side by side.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out, and to our fellow partners who tabled alongside us.

08/06/2026

Substance Use disorders in Older Adults is a growing problem not only in the United States, but throughout the developed world. This ondemand video is a partnership between the Opioid Response Network and CASATunr to address the gaps in care for older adults with opioid use disorders.

Watch now: https://nvopioidcoe.org/video/care-considerations-for-addressing-substance-use-and-the-opioid-epidemic-among-older-adult-populations-opioid-response-network-orn-regional-summit/