Briefs & Explainers

This library provides clear, practical explanations of key concepts, policies, and practices across the substance use disorder continuum. Content is designed to support funders, providers, employers, and community partners in understanding evidence-based approaches, including MOUD and harm reduction, and how they are implemented in real-world systems.

What you’ll find here

  • Plain-language overviews of MOUD, harm reduction, and recovery support

  • Explanations of federal and state funding structures

  • Descriptions of peer, clinical, and community roles

  • System-level implementation concepts

  • Guidance on pilots, reporting, and accountability

Core topic areas

MOUD and Treatment Access

How medication-based treatment works, why it matters, and how programs support access and continuity.

Peer and Recovery Support Services

Roles, standards, and how peers improve engagement and outcomes.

Harm Reduction and Community Outreach

Evidence-based strategies to reduce overdose and connect people to care.

System and Program Design

How agencies, funders, and providers structure programs, pilots, and reporting.

How these materials are used

Briefs and explainers are used by program managers, policymakers, clinicians, peers, employers, and funders to support planning, training, grant applications, and system design. They are written to be suitable for public-sector and healthcare environments.

How this connects to training and tools

These materials provide context and shared language for the training, digital tools, and system solutions offered across this platform. They help teams align around best practices before moving into implementation.

Looking for guidance for your program?

If you are exploring new approaches, funding opportunities, or system changes, we can help you apply these concepts to your specific context.