Recovery News in Iowa

CRUSH: Narcan Training  

03/04/2026: CRUSH in Cedar Rapids is hosting a training session on how to administer Narcan (naloxone) in the case of an overdose on Wednesday, March 18. Click the link above for more details on their website. 

 

Webinar: Evolving Recovery Advocacy Language 

03/04/2026: This virtual workshop, hosted by Mobilize Recovery on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. CST, will look at how the language in our advocacy efforts continues to evolve as more people and diverse voices join the growing recovery advocacy movement. Register above! 

 

Full Circle Recovery Partners with DMFD and Polk County for New Opioid Treatment Program REACH

02/25/2026: The Rapid Engagement and Community Health Program treats and supports people with opioid use disorder, using EMS data to follow up with individuals who have overdosed within the past 72 hours and connect them with medication and recovery support. Read more at the link!

 

SPF Application for Prevention Success Training

02/25/2026: Register by March 1! The SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST), held in Johnston, blends a pre-requisite, self-paced online course with an in-person session. SAPST provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that improve substance-related outcomes.

 

Fundamentals of Substance Misuse Prevention in Higher Education 

02/18/2026: Hosted by HECAOD, this training focuses on fundamentals of prevention science, college student behavior epidemiology, and applying evidence-based prevention strategies in higher education prevention. Sessions are March 5, March 6, and March 12 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. ET., with each session building upon the previous one. 

 

Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction Conference April 30-May 2 

02/18/2026: Join the Society of Addiction Psychology for their 14th annual Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction Conference in Kansas City April 30-May 2. This year’s focus is Addiction in Context: Addressing Social Determinants and Structural Drivers through Interdisciplinary Science. 

 

What Comes Next?: Developing a Transitional Program to Promote Sustained Recovery Success Post-Graduation 

02/11/2026: The Higher Education Center is hosting their annual Free February Webinar on February 25 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST. This webinar will help recovery professionals consider and reduce the barriers that students may face after graduation or periods of transition. Click the link above to register. 

 

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) Meetings Launch at CRUSH 

 

From Positive Community Norms to Personalized Feedback Interventions: Using Norms in Prevention with Young Adults 

02/04/2026: Join Mid-America PTTC for a webinar session to explore Positive Community Norms, Personalized Normative Feedback and Personalized Feedback Interventions and how these three concepts create tailored prevention efforts for students and young adults. Register at the link above.  

 

CRUSH Spread the Love Resource Fair 

02/04/2026: CRUSH’s (Cedar Rapids) Spread the Love Resource Fair on Friday, Februray 13 at 11:00 a.m. brings community partners together to share resources, support, and compassion. This event is open to the community and centered on connection, care, and hope. 

 

Virtual Recovery Coach Academy class with RISE Recovery 

02/04/2026: Recovery coaching is a vital piece of the wellness puzzle in Iowa. Whether you are looking to professionalize your staff or empower your volunteers, this academy offers the gold standard in recovery coach training. Join RISE Recovery Center for the next virtual training Feb. 23-26. 

 

Collegiate Recovery Network: Creating Recovery Ready Campuses Together 

01/28/2026: Join Iowa’s Collegiate Recovery Network on Feb. 3 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom for their next collaborative session. Hear from Susie Mullens, Director of West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network, who will share insights and practical tips for strengthening recovery support on Iowa campuses. 

CRUSH: Promoting Recovery Effectively Workshop  

01/28/2026: Join CRUSH in Cedar Rapids for their recovery workshop on improving substance use disorder (SUD) outcomes on Feb. 4 at 2:00 p.m. Click the link above for more information.  

 

Using Generative AI In Your Substance Misuse Prevention Work 

01/19/2026: Join Mid-America PTTC for their webinar on January 26 at 10:00 AM CT to learn more about Large Language Models (LLMs) and their practical applications. Click the link above to learn more information.

 

Substance-Free Socials: Building Community on Campus   

01/19/2026: Join the Higher Education Center on January 21st, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT to hear more about an engaging workshop designed for higher education professionals seeking inclusive, engaging alternatives to alcohol-centered programming. Click the link above to learn more information.

 

Preventing Youth Substance Use Through Environmental Scans | A 4-Part Virtual Interactive Series 

01/12/2026: Join the Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC) to attend their virtual interactive series on January 20th, 22nd, 27th and the 29th. Click the link above for more information. 

The Path to Recovery: Understanding the Ups and Downs of Addiction Treatment 

01/12/2026: The Overdose Prevention Network is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, January 14th at 2:30PM CT to better understand overdose prevention. Click the link to learn more.  

SMART Recovery National Conference

01/07/2026: Join SMART Bridges to Empowerment Conference on April 9-10 in Orlando, Florida, to connect with other professionals, peers and advocates. There will be engaging keynotes, educational breakout sessions, and open discussions. Click the link above to register.

MWSAM 3rd Annual Winter Conference

01/05/2026: Join the Midwest Society of Addiction Medicine virtual conference on January 10th from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM CST. Topics include infections regarding SUDs, new substances in addiction and a harm reduction panel! Click the link above to access the agenda.

Virtual SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) 

12/29/2025:  On January 7, 8, 14 & 15 between 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST, the Virtual SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) blends online courses conducted over video conferencing. Click the link above to register. 

Youth Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Conference 

12/29/2025: Join the National Center of Youth annual conference. The conference will be held March 24th to 26th, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. Click the link above for more information. 

 

2026 Intersection of Science, Treatment and Policy Conference 

12/23/2025: Join NYSAM’s annual conference and listen to new ideas and recent developments in addiction medicine. The conference will be held March 6th – March 7th , 2026, in New York City, New York. Click the link above for more information. 

SAMHSA Holiday Toolkit 

12/23/2025: SAMHSA has created a toolkit filled with tips, recovery posters and support for others during the holidays. Click the link above to access the toolkit.   

 

Leadership Skills for Peers Workshop 

12/17/2025: Join the Opioid Response Network (ORN) for an upcoming workshop webinar on December 18 at 9:00 a.m. CST. This workshop will equip peer recovery professionals with practical leadership and ethical tools to strengthen their impact. Click the link above to register.

Substance Use Trends-The Effects on Child Safety and Family Risk Factors 

12/15/2025: The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW) is hosting a webinar on December 17th at 2:00 PM CST. This event highlights strategies to reduce stigma and improve parent and family engagement in different types of services. Click the link above to register.  

CRUSH Anti-Stigma Training Session 

12/11/2025: On December 17th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, CRUSH will be hosting an anti-stigma training to learn, engage and make a difference. Click the link above to register. 

 

Full Circle Winter Holiday Party

12/10/2025: Join Full Circle in Des Moines on December 12th between 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM CST for a fun and festive evening. Click the link above for more information.

 

Full Circle Holiday Potluck

12/10/2025: Join Full Circle in Council Bluffs on December 10th between 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST to celebrate the holidays with a community potluck. Click the link above to see the flyer.

 

CRUSH 4th Annual Community Connection Holiday Party

12/03/2025: Join CRUSH Saturday, December 13th  from 10:00 PM to 3:00 PM to celebrate the holidays. Bring your family, friends and a dish! Click the link above for more information.

 

How to Address MOUD Stigma and Save Lives

12/01/2025: Join IRETA on Wednesday, December 3rd from 11:00 PM to 12:30 PM CST to learn more about the underuse of medication in opioid disorder and how stigma plays a powerful role. Click the link to above to register for this webinar

10 Tips for Recovery During the Holidays

11/25/2025: Created by the Recovery Research Institute, here are 10 tips to navigating the holidays through your recovery journey during the winter holidays and into the new year.  Click the link above to access the infographic.

Communication Toolbox: Building Effective Strategies for Alcohol and Drug Prevention Communication

11/24/2025: Join Ohio State University on December 3rd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Zoom to hear more about ways to build easy-to-access tools for the community and effective communication strategies. Click the link above to register.

2025 Annual Mental Health Conference 

11/20/2025: Join NAMI Iowa on November 21st at 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CST in Des Moines. Learn more and connect with others at the largest peer-based mental health conference in the state. Click the link above to register.

Full Circle Game Day

11/19/2025: Join Full Circle in Council Bluffs on November 21st at 2:30 PM- 3:30 PM and bring your family and friends. Play board games, WII games, and enjoy snacks. Click the link above to access the flyer.

Building Bridges: Learning Community Launch 

11/17/2025: Join APHA (American Public Health Association) on Zoom on November 18th at 1:00 PM CST. Learn more and share best practices on creating partnerships between government public agencies and community-based organizations. Click the link above to register.

Wellness 360: Finding Balance Using the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

11/13/2025: This engaging and practical webinar on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. CT explores the 8 Dimensions of Wellness—emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual—as a holistic framework for enhancing overall well-being. The session will offer actionable strategies and tools for integrating wellness practices into daily routines, both personally and professionally.

Preventing Opioid Overdose in US Higher Education Settings

11/11/2025: This interactive webinar on Nov. 19 at 1:00 p.m. CT will explore the prevalence and risk factors for opioid overdose among U.S. college students, highlight effective campus-based prevention strategies, and analyze the policy environment shaping institutional responses. Attendees will leave with practical insights to strengthen prevention and student well-being on their campuses.

Thanksgiving Dinner Party at RISE Recovery

11/07/2025: Gather together for a feast and to give thanks at RISE Recovery Center’s Thanksgiving Dinner Party, complete with turkey, ham, and all the fixings.

 

Veteran's Day Appreciation Lunch

11/07/2025: Join CRUSH on November 8th, 2025 for a Veterans’ Day appreciation lunch, honoring those who have served. Click the link above to learn more!

 

ASAC 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive

11/06/2025: ASAC and UI ARC are hosting their annual toy drive through December 12th. Click the link above to learn more.

 

Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer

10/14/2025: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Data Warehouse released a search engine that helps healthcare and nonprofits located in rural areas find grants and analyze eligibility. Click the link to learn more about this tool.

 

PSC Launches the Lee County Substance Use Monitoring System

09/26/2025:The Public Science Collaborative is proud to launch the Lee County Substance Use Monitoring System, a platform that visualizes local substance use trends to help community leaders make data-driven decisions to improve public health and reduce opioid-related harms.