IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE IN CRISIS…

• Call 330-452-6000, the Stark County Crisis Hotline anytime
• Text 4hope to 741 741, the Crisis Text Line anytime
• Call 9-1-1 if emergency services are needed. If requesting law enforcement, you can ask for a CIT-trained officer »
• Call 330-454-HELP (4357) for the Opiate Hotline for community information, education, support and connection to services anytime, day or night

Heroin & Opiate Help

Community & Family Resources

A highly addictive opioid drug, heroin use has been steadily rising nationally, statewide and in Stark County. In 2014, the number of people seeking opiate treatment since 2006 has increased more than 200% in Stark County. Southern Stark has shown as much as a 583% increase in people seeking help. Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery is tracking this upswing and working with local service providers, safety forces and area stakeholders to educate the community about the destructive effects and costly medical consequences of heroin use.

Talking with Family Effective prevention starts with an honest conversation. Talk with your loved ones about substance use today. Find age-specific opiate talking points »

Get a Naloxone Overdose Kit Naloxone (also known as Narcan^®) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing. Naloxone kits are distributed free of charge at area providers. Find out where to get a kit at StarkMHAR.org/OverdoseKit »

Heroin Treatment Substance use is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities or in how you think and feel. If you are concerned you might have a drug or alcohol problem, consult your personal physician, or contact any treatment provider funded by StarkMHAR for an assessment. Read more about treatment »

Support Groups Recently there has been an increasing awareness of the role that mental health and alcohol and drug support groups play in recovery from mental illnesses and substance use. For this reason, StarkMHAR would like to provide the following information to those looking for support through a support group »

Addiction is a brain disease If your loved one has an opiate addiction, learn what to do. This website was prepared by family members for family members, StarkHeroinEpidemic.org »

OhioCAN With leadership across the state and in Stark County, OhioCAN’s mission is to bring the family voice to addiction and recovery, and empower families to create an atmosphere of open exchange without shame or stigma. Reach OhioCAN online »

F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Motorcycle Poker Run An annual event, the motorcycle run is led by Families Against The Heroin Epidemic Rally in Stark. Find out more online at StarkHeroinEpidemic.org »

Help is Available Substance use prevention, early intervention and treatment services are available to residents of Stark County through a network of qualified, caring service providers. Read more about the StarkMHAR Care Network »

Everyone can take action

Be a responsible consumer Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about why you might need the pain medication prescribed. Use the prescription exactly as directed. Don’t share your pills with others and above all, get rid of your medication properly. Do not throw them out in the trash or flush them. Take advantage of free, anonymous drug collection locations throughout Stark County.

Drug drop boxes Don’t risk your unwanted prescriptions getting into an illicit supply pipeline. Drug Free Stark County has collaborated with law enforcement and community partners throughout Stark County to establish 17 permanent drug collection locations. No questions asked. Find a drop box near you at StarkMHAR.org/DrugCollection »

Opiate Prevention Toolkit Designed for students, educators and for parents, Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery partners with Drug Free Stark County and the Stark County Educational Service Center to make this online resource tool accessible. Access prevention tools at StarkMHAR.org/OpiateToolkit »

Teach prevention early

Opiate Prevention StarkMHAR partners with local safety forces and officers, schools and administrators, health care professionals and service providers, the faith-based community and community leaders to develop strategies to increase public awareness about the harmful effects of substance use. Read more about prevention » 

Be On the Look Out (BOLO) is a prevention program developed by Drug Free Stark County aimed at parents and caregivers of middle grade and high school students. More at StarkMHAR.org/BOLO »

Rx Pain Medications: Know the Options, Get the Facts A resource from SAMHSA on managing pain and finding which approach is right for you. Download pain management PDF »

Behavioral Health Among College Students Information and Resource Kit From SAMHSA, this kit discusses the consequences of substance misuse among college students including the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It explores various causational factors such as peer pressure, stress, social norms and advertising messages. Download college student resource kit »

Stark Talking, Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s prevention program, helps parents and caregivers begin conversations about drugs and consequences. Learn more at StarkTalking.Ohio.gov »

Facts & Figures What is heroin and how does it affect the brain? Why are the medical consequences of heroin greater, and more costly, to individuals and the community, than other substance addictions? Read more facts & figures »

Risk Factors & Warning Signs Research indicates use of prescription pain relievers can lead to use of heroin if the prescription medication is no longer accessible or affordable. Read more risk factors & warning signs »

Get involved

Drug Free Stark County A partnership of law enforcement, schools, faith-based organizations, health care and treatment providers, business, parents and youth, Drug Free Stark County aims to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of substance use. Learn more »

Opiate Task Force of Stark County Designed to bring people and resources together from all sectors of the community to develop and pursue goals and strategies to address the public health concern of opiate use in Stark County. Join law enforcement, medical professionals, treatment providers, criminal justice, community leaders and parents. Learn more »

Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition is a partnership of representatives from more than 20 local community organizations working together to save lives. Active members include representatives from community advocacy, behavioral health organizations, survivors of suicide loss, social service organizations, human service agencies, government organizations, medical facilities and educational institutions. Individuals or organizations are welcome to join. Find out more »

types of opiates

The following are common opioid prescription pain relievers.

SOURCE: DrugFree.org, https://drugfree.org/drug/prescription-pain-relievers-opioids/, accessed October 13, 2017