Report: SAMHSA Website Exploration and Findings on Substance Abuse

This report provides an exploration of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. It highlights key sections such as data, programs, and legal provisions. The report examines the website's user-friendliness and the clarity of information provided. It discusses the sources of data used by the Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Treatment Episode Data Set. The report also identifies relevant laws and regulations related to SAMHSA programs, such as the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The report concludes by emphasizing the website's role in providing essential information and resources for substance abuse and mental health services.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
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Exploration of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website
While exploring the SAMHSA website, there were various important and relevant topics
to which I was drawn to. The website is comprehensive one offering various news and important
input into relevant topics of Substance Abuse and Mental Health conditions. It offers extensive
information related to Substance Abuse and Mental Health. It also covers some of the latest news
in the topic. It includes legislations, grants, and treatment and training procedures. It has included
some major publications related to the topic. The website loads in a fast manner and it is easy to
browse to various categories and webpages.
Links drawn to explore first-Reasons
Firstly I was drawn to the “Data” link where multiple tables and link to latest information
was included. I went on to explore the “Data” link to understand how deeply the organization
conducted primary data search had. I was amazed to see the ground level connection the
organization had with reality. Secondly, I became interested in the “Programs” that are currently
being offered by the body to assists affected people of Substance Abuse and suffering Mental
Health conditions.
Surprising Facts
While browsing through the website, the most surprising fact I noticed was the clarity of
information that was given. The website provides information clearly regarding the SAMHSA
cases, program evaluation and frequently asked questions. Though it is a government aided
website, it is interactive and provides direct assistance to anyone approaching it for assistance.
Information understanding level
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The website provides information made available to general public. The website
communicates instructions in a clear manner and in simple English, which is easy to understand.
There are clear divisions stating which data to obtain from which section to avoid confusion.
The Department of Health and Human Services obtains it data
The Department obtains its data from various sources. It collects its data from the
following places;
 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
 Treatment Episode Data Set
 National Mental Health Services Survey
 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services
 Uniform Report System
 Drug Abuse Warning Network
Therefore, it can be understood that the Department does not collect data by itself rather
it collects data from other agencies. It publishes the data that it collects from other agencies,
which in turn furnishes such data to the organisation.
Issues made regarding provisions of law addressing provisions of law
The various issues that are present need to be addressed by provisions of law. The laws
and regulations are contained in the “About Us” section of their webpage. The laws and
regulations highlight all related material in connection to the SAMHSA programs and related
topics. Some of the laws contained there are;
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 Federal Law of The Affordable Care Act of 2010 and key regulations that needs
to be implemented.
 Americans with Disabilities Act
 Children’s Health Act
 Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act
 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
 Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act
 Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA)
 Along with Federal Regulations that are related to SAMHSA
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References
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. [2019]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration. Retrieved from <http://www.samhsa.gov>
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