Action
The Daniel Calazans foundation is a dynamic nonprofit organization.
We describe ourselves as investigators. We are here to understand the root causes that lead individuals struggling with a variety of mental health deregulation symptoms and abusing legal and illegal drugs - focusing on the age group between 12 to 25 years old.
We will create two strong campaigns on the specific causes of mental health and substance abuse every year. We believe that by investigating the causes, it is possible to decrease the alarming numbers of deaths.
We will interview individuals currently struggling with the issues and those who have been able to deal with these chronic conditions. and have them able to get them under control. I will discuss American health providers' difficulties when treating patients with possible co-occurring conditions. We will hear from the scientist about funding and novel treatments for substance abuse and mental health.
We will find out what countries have done to manage the global mental health and substance abuse crisis.
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Our kick-off campaign is an overview of the importance of dual diagnosis to treat substance abuse and mental health. Without any outside funding, we learned that treating the SUD and the co-occurring mental disorders together is more efficient than separately.
Two examples of our subsequent campaigns, across traditional and digital media channels are:
Prescription Drugs:
The dose makes the poison
The fastest-growing drug problem in the United States isn't cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. It is prescription drugs, and it is profoundly affecting the lives of teenagers. This is recent research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services government agency.
According to a recent study conducted by Stanford University Children's Hospital, "new substance abusers ages 12 and older use prescription and over-the-counter medicines more than any other illegal substance."
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A common misperception is that prescription drugs are safer or less harmful to one's body than other kinds of drugs. However, there is a range of short- and long-term health consequences for each type of prescription drug when misused.
Rehab Centers in the United States: the multi-billion dollar business with minimal regulation.
Drug and alcohol addiction rehab services in the United States are big business — worth $42 billion this year. There are now 15,000+ private treatment facilities, and that number is growing.
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The combination of increased insurance coverage under the ACA and Medicaid, coupled with the opioid epidemic, is fueling demand for treatment. This growth may limit the effects of any recession. Still, the "market" has entered many facilities and sober living homes that don't follow best practices. - have dubious outcomes and often poor quality of care.
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Unlike in Europe, individuals seeking medical treatment in the U.S. are called "clients" instead of "patients." Ads for rehab centers in the United States use words such as "luxurious," "where celebrities get treatment," or "located at the rehab riviera in Southern California." More of a "spa" environment versus medical severe treatment services.
Areas of Activism
Rehab Centers in the United States: the multi-billion dollar business with minimal regulation.
Awareness and Education
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Improve outcomes and decrease relapse by raising awareness of the interconnection between mental health and substance abuse for prevention, treatment, and support.
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Co-produce a series of documentaries on mental health and substance abuse topics.
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Create investigative stories for top-tier outlets and local news to boost the dialogue on the mental health and substance abuse epidemic in the United States.
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Participate in events with government agencies, schools, and other organizations to advocate with, and amplify the dialogue on the topics associated with SUD and EBD.
Advocacy
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Act as a reliable source for the media and become a thought leader on the co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
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Engage social media platforms to partner with us on fighting this epidemic by deleting all accounts that encourage the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
Grantmaking & Research
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Support the next generation of scientists and social workers by awarding grants to graduate students who research and develop novel treatments and drugs that address the connection between mental health and substance abuse.
Support
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Create a social platform for families, individuals, and those affected by addiction to educate them to make better-informed decisions and provide resources.