Drugs & alcohol

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

Because their brains are still developing, smoking weed could impact a young person’s memory function, communication and reasoning skills. Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs used among teens and young adults in Stark County, and although many consider it to be safe, marijuana has been shown to reduce a young person’s ability to concentrate, think clearly and make good decisions. Use the resources below to learn how to quit smoking weed and to find local programs and organizations that are helping to keep young people safe and sober.

Signs of Marijuana Addicttion

The following behaviors may help you determine when marijuana has become a problem for you or someone you know:

• Altered perceptions and sense of reality
• Anxious thoughts, sleeplessness and paranoia
• Hunger and food cravings
• Loss of control and coordination
• Persistent, mucus-filled cough
• Problems thinking, learning and problem solving
• Red and bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils
• Sleepy, slowed reaction time
• Temporary or long-term memory loss
• Thirst, dry mouth and bad breath

References

• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-abuse
• https://www.verywellmind.com/characteristics-of-marijuana-addiction-22298
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/marijuana/symptoms-signs/

Questions to Ask Yourself

Are you concerned you may have a marijuana addiction? Ask yourself the following questions to determine if it’s time to reach out for help:

• Are you less interested in activities you once enjoyed?
• Are you unable to reduce or stop your marijuana use?
• Do you have a high tolerance?
• Do you spend a lot of time getting high?
• Does getting high help you escape from stress and anxiety?
• Has marijuana caused problems in your relationships?
• Has your performance at work or school suffered?
• Is getting high more of a priority than your other responsibilities?

References

• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-abuse
• https://www.verywellmind.com/characteristics-of-marijuana-addiction-22298
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/marijuana/symptoms-signs/

Methamphetamines are highly addictive, and individuals who become dependent are unable to feel pleasure when they are not using the drug. Meth is known to overstimulate specific processes in the body, so users feel more alert or anxious than usual. Unfortunately, people who become addicted often face significant challenges in other areas of their lives.

Signs of meth addiction

People who are under the influence of crystal meth may display the following symptoms:

• Bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils
• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Convulsions and tremors
• Dental health problems, dry mouth and bad breath
• Facial sores and acne
• High body temperature and sweating
• Increased physical activity
• Irritability, paranoia and unpredictable behavior
• Jaw clenching and intense scratching
• Manic, repetitive actions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart and breathing rates
• Temporary euphoria
• Weight loss

References

• https://addictionresource.com/drugs/crystal-meth/
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/meth/symptoms-signs/
• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/crystal-meth-what-you-should_know

Being engaged in prosocial activities, such as those listed here, is a protective factor against substance use after school.

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, such as All-Stars, CAST, LifeSkills, and Too Good for Drugs.

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