News and Stories

BTRR 2023 Highlights Video

In 2023, the ARI provided affiliate organizations the funds to help put on successful Big Texas Rally for Recovery rallies across Texas. In our new highlight video, created by ARI’s Bill Hamblen, we showcase the rallies along with facts and…

Big Texas Rally for Recovery 2023 Impact Report

In 2023, the University of Texas Addiction Research Institute (ARI) coordinated BTRR events and distributed HHS funds to support local rallies. ARI developed an application process for BTRR Affiliate Organizations to recruit partners from local substance use and mental health recovery communities to be a part of the statewide BTRR planning committee and to host local rallies for recovery. ARI facilitated affiliate planning meetings to share resources and lessons learned along the way. Check out our 2023 Impact Report showcasing attendance, vendors, and speakers along with recognitions, pictures, and more.

ARI End-Of-Year Highlights

In our 2023 recap, we want to acknowledge all of those we work with every day to help make the Addiction Research Institute possible. We thank everyone for believing in our mission to generate system change, along the addiction recovery continuum, through innovative research, education and training, advocacy, and partnerships. We conduct rigorous, transdisciplinary, and translational research that facilitates the transfer of new and innovative scientific strategies to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Below we’ve gathered a roundup of various highlights from ARI programs.  

Leaving a Legacy of Love – Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker

Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker is one of the most well-known social workers in Texas. In 2023, she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from RecoveryPeople, a charitable nonprofit with a long-standing history in Texas for its work with people in recovery. In this moving interview, Dr. Holleran Steiker discussed her current work in the opioid abatement council and SHIFT organization and spoke in-depth about what inspires her and the legacy she will leave in the addiction and substance use field. She also looks towards the holidays and reflects on how those in recovery can find hope during times of loneliness. Dr. Holleran Steiker’s impact can be seen far and wide across the state of Texas. Most recently, she was appointed by the Texas Governor and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to serve on the Texas Opioid Abatement Council which is tasked with ensuring opioid settlement money recovered through the state and its political subdivisions is allocated fairly and spent to remediate the opioid crisis.

ARI to begin first Big Texas Rally for Recovery Informational Session

On December 11th, 2023, ARI will be hosting our first 2024 Big Texas Rally for Recovery Informational Session. We're inviting all interested organizations who wish to hold rallies across Texas for their communities to join us for this informational session to learn more about the application process, selection, and deadlines.

Red Ribbon Week – Helping Youth Live Drug-Free 

October marks the start of National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and it also includes the celebration of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign started in the late 1980s to raise awareness about drug use, especially with children.