Drugs & alcohol

The services previously offered at Crisis Intervention and Recovery Center (CIRC) have transitioned to other community providers. As a result, detox services and 23-hour beds will now be provided by CommQuest, a local counseling and recovery resource. Their detox centers deliver urgent treatment for Stark County residents who struggle with substance use.

Recovery houses are places where someone who is recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol can find a safe, stable, substance-free place to live. They are also sometimes called sober living houses, halfway houses, or transition houses. Recovery housing may require residents to follow certain rules. For example, no drinking or drugs allowed. But these rules can help residents change their behavior and stay sober. If you’re looking for recovery housing for yourself or a loved one, check out the resources below. Consider housing certified by Ohio Recovery Housing, which sets standards for care and support.

Many of the drugs that are used or sold by teens in Stark County are found in the homes of their friends and families. If prescription medications are not stored and disposed of properly, it is possible for young people to get their hands on the substances. Thankfully, you can safely drop off unwanted prescriptions at collection boxes throughout Stark County.

Visit Stark MHAR to learn more about safely disposing of these drugs and where there are permanent collection locations in Stark County.

Be on the lookout for the following warning signs if you believe someone you know may be struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs:

• Drinks to relax, deal with stress or feel normal
• Changes in appetite or sudden weight changes
• Experiences blackouts or short-term memory loss
• Constricted/dilated pupils, dizziness, flushed skin or frequent nosebleeds
• Hides drinking or drinks alone
• Irritability and changes in behavior
• Makes excuses for heavy alcohol consumption
• Prioritizes alcohol over responsibilities
• Withdraws from friends and family members
• Lack of personal hygiene or hidden injuries
• Lacks interest in hobbies or activities
• Mood swings and disruptive behavior
• Stops attending work or school

Questions to ask yourself if you are concerned you have a drinking problem:

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if it’s time to reach out for help:

• Do you ever need a drink first thing in the morning to get over a hangover or feel normal?
• Do you find yourself drinking way more than you planned?
• Do you go through withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking?
• Do you have alcohol cravings?
• Do you wish you could cut down on your drinking?
• Does drinking make you feel guilty or ashamed?
• Does it upset you when people comment on your drinking?
• Has drinking caused you to put yourself or others in danger?
• Has drinking gotten you into trouble?
• Has drinking made you feel down, anxious or sick?
• Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed?

References

• https://starkmhar.org/topics/addiction-help/
• https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/warning-signs/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

A school-based drug and alcohol prevention program can be a positive way to teach students about the risks and dangers of substance use. Schools offer a variety of classroom initiatives to build resiliency, limit the availability of illicit drugs and offset the negative consequences of drug use. Learn about the prevention and intervention resources available in Stark County.

Be sure to contact your local guidance department to learn about the substance use prevention and resiliency programs available through the school district.

• Gangs & violence
• If you witness peer pressure
• Important phone numbers & textline
• Substance use support groups
• Ways to resist peer pressure