DEA Announces Temporary Scheduling of Synthetic 7-OH Substances

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced its intent to temporarily classify synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three related substances as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The action follows a scientific and medical evaluation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which concluded these substances have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

The temporary scheduling targets synthetic and highly concentrated 7-OH products, which have become increasingly available online and in retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. The action does not apply to natural botanical kratom products that contain only naturally occurring trace amounts of 7-OH below the specified threshold. If finalized, the rule would make the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of covered synthetic 7-OH substances subject to federal controlled substance laws.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Press Release (July 1, 2026)

New SAMHSA Advisory: Wearables and Digital Tools in Behavioral Health

Technology is changing the way behavioral health services are delivered. A new SAMHSA Advisory explores how wearable devices, mobile apps, artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, and other digital tools are supporting prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. These technologies can help monitor stress, sleep, physical activity, and other health indicators, providing opportunities for more personalized support and earlier intervention. The advisory also highlights important considerations related to privacy, accessibility, ethics, and data security.

Whether you’re a prevention professional, healthcare provider, coalition member, or policymaker, this resource offers valuable insights into the evolving role of digital health technologies in behavioral health.

Read the full SAMHSA Advisory: How Wearables and Other Digital Tools Are Driving Innovation in Behavioral Health.

Many Teens Underestimate the Dangers of Fentanyl

A recent study found that many U.S. teens, especially eighth graders, do not fully recognize how dangerous fentanyl can be. Despite fentanyl being involved in most teen overdose deaths, many adolescents believe trying it even once or twice is not highly risky. The findings underscore the importance of prevention education and open conversations to help young people understand the serious risks of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.

Source: Thompson, D. (2026, July 8). U.S. Teens Underestimate Risks of Fentanyl Use, Survey Finds. U.S. News & World Report (HealthDay), reporting on research published in JAMA Network Open (July 7, 2026).

What to Know About the DEA’s New Fentanyl Free America Initiative

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently launched its Fentanyl Free America initiative at its inaugural summit held in partnership with CADCA’s 25th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute. More than 2,500 participants—including prevention professionals, public health leaders, educators, law enforcement, recovery organizations, faith communities, and youth leaders—came together to strengthen collaboration in addressing the nation’s fentanyl crisis.

While enforcement remains an important component of the initiative, the summit placed equal emphasis on the critical role of community-based prevention. The initiative is built around three pillars:

• Protect communities by disrupting illicit drug trafficking and strengthening public partnerships.
• Prevent overdose and poisoning through evidence-based education, youth leadership, and sustainable community prevention efforts.
• Support individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use by expanding recovery supports and promoting hope and healing.

The DEA also introduced Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone, a free video series designed to help parents recognize online risks, identify warning signs, and start conversations with youth about online safety and counterfeit pills.

During the summit, DEA officials announced that recent enforcement efforts removed more than 4 million counterfeit fentanyl pills and 1,158 kilograms of fentanyl powder from communities nationwide. While overdose deaths continue to trend downward nationally, leaders emphasized that lasting progress depends on sustained partnerships among prevention professionals, healthcare providers, educators, community coalitions, families, and law enforcement.

This initiative reinforces what we know: reducing substance misuse and overdose requires coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies and strong local partnerships. Community coalitions play a vital role in educating the public, engaging youth, supporting families, and building protective factors that help save lives.

Learn more about the Fentanyl Free America initiative, prevention resources, and the new “Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone” series by visiting the DEA website.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Inaugural Fentanyl Free America Summit Concludes with Promise to Accelerate the Fight Against Fentanyl. July 2026

7 Most Popular Explainer Videos on Addiction

Looking for clear, evidence-based information on substance use disorders? We rounded up seven of the most-watched explainer videos from our resource library. Whether you’re learning for yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking for reliable educational tools to share, these short videos break down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand information.

Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes

Explore how nicotine and vaping affect the developing brain, why young people are especially vulnerable, and what the latest science tells us. Watch now→

Addiction & the Brain

Discover how addiction changes brain function, why it is considered a chronic health condition, and how these changes influence behavior and recovery. Watch now→

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Learn how CBT helps people identify triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and prevent relapse during recovery from substance use disorders. Watch now→

The Hijacker

Take a closer look at how addiction “hijacks” the brain’s reward system and why understanding the neuroscience of addiction is key to reducing stigma. Watch now→

Risk and Protective Factors

Discover how early interventions and strong protective factors can counterbalance risk factors and help prevent substance use disorders. Watch now→

Brain Imaging Reveals What Causes Drug Addiction

Hear from Dr. Nora Volkow about how brain imaging is improving our understanding of addiction and informing new prevention and treatment approaches. Watch now→

What is Prevention?

Learn why protecting the developing brain, delaying first use, and strengthening protective factors are key to preventing substance use disorders. Watch now→

Explore Addiction Policy Forum full video library for more science-backed resources on addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

• August 18 – MIHEN Webinar-Health & Poison Related to Substance Use: “Need to Know” Program for Young Adults
• August 21 – Join us for the 30th Annual MCRUD Annual Meeting –
• August 29-31- EMPOWER 2026: the NAADAC Annual Conference
• September 15 – PAM Webinar – Moving Upstream: An Earlier and Broader Approach to Prevention, a complimentary webinar
• September 22 – PAM Webinar – Rooted in Community, Driven by Data: Building a Culture for Primary Prevention
• September 24 – MIHEN Webinar – Overdose Response Strategy (ORS): Cross-sector Partnership Innovation and Emerging Drug Trends Register Today
• September 27-29 – 27th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Hybrid Conference
• September 29-30 – Virtual, 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference
• October 29-30 – Connections in Prevention Annual Conference
• November 9 – 34th Annual PAM Conference (in person) at the James B. Henry Center for Excellence.

See the full calendar of events here.

Join Our Network – Watch YouTube Membership Tutorial

By joining our *no-cost* network, you will have exclusive access to:

• A resource library filled with handouts, toolkits, templates, videos, and more
• A forum to network with other coalitions
• A map of other coalitions across the State.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to https://www.preventionnetwork.org/resource-library/
2. Type a keyword into the search bar (try a topic, program area, or content type).
3. Open a resource to view, download, or save for later.
   

Whether you’re building a training, writing a grant, or looking for ready-to-use tools, the right resource is only a few clicks away.

Looking for Technical Assistance Support?

Prevention Network offers technical assistance (TA) to help strengthen and support your prevention efforts. Whether you’re planning, implementing, or refining your work, we can connect you with additional resources, tools, and guidance tailored to your needs. Technical assistance may include consultation calls, webinars, trainings, or ongoing support over time to address specific goals or challenges.

Learn more or request support: https://www.preventionnetwork.org/ta/

Upcoming PTTC Trainings for Prevention Professionals

Registration is open.

Coming This October: Free Prevention Professional Development

Deadline to register is Sept 18th

Advance your prevention career this fall with two free learning opportunities from the Great Lakes PTTC:

• Substance Misuse Prevention Mentorship Program – Build your skills through one-on-one mentorship with an experienced prevention professional. Learn more: https://pttcnetwork.org/event/great-lakes-pttc-substance-misuse-prevention-mentorship-program/
• Learning Collaborative for Prevention Certification (2026–2027) – Receive guidance and support as you work toward Prevention Specialist certification. . Learn more: https://pttcnetwork.org/event/learning-collaborative-for-prevention-certification-2026-27/

We encourage prevention professionals across Michigan to take advantage of these free professional development opportunities.

Visit the PTTC Network’s training and events calendar to find upcoming prevention trainings and professional development opportunities available to the Great Lakes region. https://pttcnetwork.org/training-and-events-calendar/

The Prevention Network newsletter delivers timely and comprehensive state and national updates, covering the latest news, research findings, and best practices in the prevention field, ensuring you stay well-informed and equipped to address emerging challenges and opportunities in your prevention efforts. Check out some national and state updates below:

NATIONAL:

What Is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new resource providing an overview of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model and its role in expanding access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services.

The publication explains the purpose of CCBHCs, federal certification requirements, the nine core service areas, funding opportunities through SAMHSA and Medicaid, and the model’s impact on improving access to coordinated, community-based behavioral health care. As of July 2025, more than 500 CCBHCs are operating across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, helping strengthen behavioral health systems and improve outcomes nationwide.

This resource is valuable for behavioral health providers, policymakers, administrators, coalition leaders, and community partners seeking a high-level understanding of the CCBHC model and its growing role in behavioral health care.

Learn more: Review the full SAMHSA publication for additional information on CCBHC certification, services, and implementation. 

STATE

State Budget Update: Investments That Support Prevention

On July 21, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan’s FY 2027 budget into law following legislative approval earlier this month. The budget includes significant investments in education, early childhood programs, workforce development, health care, and family supports, including continued funding for free school meals, expanded Great Start Readiness (pre-K), Early On services, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Reconnect, and the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program.

While the budget does not include major new funding specifically for substance misuse prevention, these investments strengthen many of the protective factors that help prevent substance use before it begins. Supporting children, families, education, and access to health care helps build healthier, more resilient communities across Michigan.

For Michigan’s prevention professionals, these investments also create opportunities to strengthen partnerships with schools, health care providers, early childhood programs, and community organizations. Prevention Network will continue to monitor state policy developments and share resources that support prevention efforts across the state.

Source: State Budget Update, SBAM (State Bar of Michigan) Government Relations, July 2026, summarizing FY 2027 budget legislation (SB 878 and HB 5630).

*The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) also announced it secured $2 million in legislatively directed spending to support statewide 2030 Census outreach and engagement efforts. An accurate census count helps ensure Michigan communities receive the federal funding needed to support health, education, infrastructure, and prevention programs for years to come.