Stimulant use has been prevalent in the western US for decades and remains higher in rural communities than in metropolitan areas. For women, stimulant use tends to accelerate more quickly, leading to severe physical and emotional problems, and makes seeking help difficult, especially in rural areas. SNAP-Ed implementers are in a unique role as they regularly encounter women needing/receiving substance use treatment services and those in recovery. As such, understanding the impact of stimulant use on women and how to provide strength-based and trauma-informed approaches that promote recovery are important, especially since recovering from stimulant use is a complex process. Consequently, increasing the knowledge and skills of SNAP-Ed implementers regarding substance use and recovery will strengthen their connection with rural women as they continue their paths to health and wellness.

This course was developed in partnership with funding provided by the Pacific Southwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-R).