Drug Free Stark County

04/08/2026

Keeping kids safe from underage use of alcohol and other drugs is a concern for parents. In this public service announcement from SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear ...

03/16/2026

It's Brain Awareness Week! Did you know that around 90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 18? It’s critical to reinforce the importance of protecting the developing brain.

03/16/2026

Here's the truth: There's no safe level of ni****ne use. But here's the good news: The benefits of quitting begin immediately. 🌱
Your body starts healing the moment you quit. And you don't have to go through it alone—free support is available right now.
📞 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
🌐 ohioquits.org
Take the first step today.

03/15/2026

Kids see gummy medicine like vitamins, melatonin, or cannab*s and think “candy!”
But they can be dangerous. Here’s how to help your kids stay safe:
🍬 Store gummies up, away, and out of sight, preferably in a locked box or cabinet.
🍬 Never call gummy medicines “candy”.
🍬 Keep gummies in their original container.

Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to get connected to your local poison center. Poison Centers are here for you with confidential, non-judgmental, and free expert advice.

03/03/2026

It can be hard to have an open and honest conversation with your teen about substance use or mental health. Facts & Feels is a digital card game that was created to help parents like you start a conversation. Having the talk before spring break is a good time to start reducing their risk for substance use. Get playing at CDC.gov/play-facts-feels.

02/19/2026

Use teachable moments — a headline, a video, a question — to start conversations about alcohol. Ask what they’ve heard, what they think, and how they’d handle tricky situations. These small talks build trust that lasts.
https://bit.ly/3lQqBy0

02/11/2026

01/09/2026

New research from Stanford Medicine reveals that addiction isn’t a lack of willpower, instead it’s our brain’s ancient reward system struggling in a modern world full of instant gratification. Our brains evolved to seek pleasure and survival rewards, but today’s constant access to dopamine triggers, that come from food to phones to substances, can rewire that system, making everyday joys feel dull. Scientists say understanding this “ancient wiring” helps reduce stigma and guide more compassionate, brain-based approaches to prevention and recovery.

Stanford Medicine researchers discuss the brain’s ancient wiring and how its built-in reward-seeking system can be hijacked by addiction — as well as ways to prevent and treat it.

01/05/2026

Thinking about taking part in Dry January? 🚫🍷

It might only be a month, but it can have a huge impact. According to researchers, within mere weeks of giving up alcohol, the liver begins to regenerate, mood improves, and participants notice healthier skin and better sleep, among other health benefits.

Find out more about what happens to your mental and physical health when you give up alcohol: https://on.natgeo.com/4s4vrdB

12/22/2025

If you intend to drive, the safest option is not to use any alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Here are steps you can take to help prevent impaired driving if you plan to use, are using, or have used alcohol or drugs, including cannabis:

- Choose not to drive and remind your friends and family to do the same.
- Assign a trusted designated driver who will not drink or use drugs when you are going out with a group of people you know.
-Plan on getting a ride home from someone who has not been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs, using a rideshare service, or calling a taxi.

12/16/2025

As of December 1, 2025, there have been 8,739 OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) crashes in Ohio. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Drive sober. Plan ahead. Keep our roads safe.
Stark County Safe Communities

12/10/2025

Every family is unique, but all families share a bond that can be used to support one another during trying times.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for helping a family member who is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with a mental illness, research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disorders.

Use this guide to help start the conversation.

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/starting-the-conversation-guide.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1wrsswz7OuUcngyDG-vYAqN3w_LucJsxsSA0-mxxWv-VqdqpqQ-W6Df4A_aem_n61MEoEhGqDr9NDHn42WOQ&utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=