Athens County Ohio Addiction Hotline
Athens County OH Drug & Alcohol Treatment Hotline
Athens County Ohio Substance Abuse Statistics
Athens County, Ohio, has been significantly impacted by substance abuse, particularly in recent years[1]. According to the Athens City-County Health Department, there have been nine drug overdose deaths in the county so far this year[2]. The number of deaths due to unintentional drug overdose in Ohio has increased by 485% from 1999 to 2012, largely driven by prescription drug overdoses[3]. In recent years, the rise in overdose deaths has been associated with the supply and use of the potent opioid fentanyl[4]. These statistics highlight the severity of the substance abuse problem in Athens County and the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Various types of drugs are abused in Athens County, including opioids, cocaine, and prescription drugs[2]. Misuse of prescription medicines is a serious problem; in fact, 28% of drug-related substance misuse problems involve prescription drugs.
The opioid addiction crisis has also affected Athens County, with the death rate here being an average of about 20% lower than the state average[5]. The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the Medicaid population aged 18-64 years in Athens County has been estimated to be between 2.5% and 3.5%[6]. These statistics demonstrate the diverse range of substances being abused in Athens County and the need for comprehensive prevention and treatment efforts.
The impact of substance abuse extends beyond individual users and affects the Athens County communities as a whole[7]. Substance abuse can lead to increased crime rates, strain on healthcare and social services, and reduced economic productivity[8]. Moreover, children whose parents have substance abuse issues are more likely to be placed in state custody, with 50% of all children placed in state custody in Ohio having a parent with substance abuse issues[4]. These effects highlight the need for a community-wide approach to address substance abuse in Athens County, one that involves prevention, treatment, and support for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
References
1. Sobering numbers from Ohio on drug overdoses. from www.wtap.com
2. Ohio Overdose Awareness Day marked by local events, …. from athensindependent.com/overdose-awareness-day-2023/
3. October declared Medicine Abuse Awareness Month in Athens Co.. from www.athensnews.com
4. Overdose deaths in Athens County | News. from www.athensmessenger.com
5. Waging the war against overdose deaths in Athens County. from www.athensnews.com
6. Opioid Use Disorder Among Ohio’s Medicaid Population. from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10144717/
7. The Opioid Issue: The Big Picture Story. from projects.thepostathens.com
8. A generation in turmoil. from projects.thepostathens.com
Athens County OH Addiction Treatment Resources
Athens County Ohio Government Substance-Abuse Program
Athens County Ohio Government Substance-Abuse Program. Substance Abuse Mentally Ill (SAMI) Program. The Athens County Court SAMI (Substance Abusing Mentally Ill) Court Program is a treatment based program designed to divert individuals from jail who incur misdemeanor level charges and have serious and chronic mental illness as well as substance abuse diagnosis. The program is voluntary but requires that participants enter a plea of guilty or no contest, be sentenced, and then follow through with the program are provided through Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services, Inc. and include psychological assessment, individual and group counseling, and case management services.The Athens County Municipal Court provides supervision and court monitoring of treatment through the services of a dedicated probation officer.
Gathering Place Athens County Ohio Addiction Peer Support
Gathering Place Athens County Ohio Addiction Peer Support. The Gathering Place is a member-operated peer recovery organization that serves adults with lived experience of a mental health issue or a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder. Staff and members work together to provide peer support, linkage services, advocacy, mental health education, recreational and wellness activities, opportunities to affordable housing, access to healthy food, and community integration opportunities, all in a welcoming home-like environment. Participation at The Gathering Place is open to any person with a mental health condition or co-occurring substance use disorder who has a sincere interest in working toward recovery. If you or someone you know is eligible for our program, please stop by for a visit!
Athens HOPE Athens County Ohio Overcome Substance Use Disorder
Athens HOPE Athens County Ohio Overcome Substance Use Disorder. Athens HOPE (Helping Overcome substance use disorder through Prevention and Education) is a community initiative founded in 2017 to aid in the fight against the opioid epidemic. The task force is committed to providing education and community-building events, advocacy opportunities, support for those providing direct services, and encouraging inclusion and acceptance by reducing stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Mission: Create a supportive community through substance use disorder education and advocacy. Vision: Changing community views about substance misuse through education and prevention
317 Board Athens County Ohio Community-Based Addiction Care
317 Board Athens County Ohio Community-Based Addiction Care. The 317 Board supports a community-based network of care for those in need of mental health, addiction, and community services through our partner agencies. Our Board collaborates with community partners including local schools, courts, law enforcement, jails, and many non-profit community partners to deliver mental health and recovery services. The 317 Board creates a network of individualized care for people who need prevention and treatment for mental illness and/or alcohol and drug addiction. Our role remains the same: to design policies, evaluate programs, access funds and monitor services to ensure quality care, and always to remember that the client comes first.
AA Athens County OH Alcoholics Anonymous Area 53 Central & Southeast Ohio
AA Athens County OH Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Area 53, covering Central & Southeast Ohio, extends its support to Athens County, Ohio, providing essential resources for individuals battling alcohol addiction. Through a network of meetings and support groups, AA Area 53 offers a safe and confidential environment where individuals can share their experiences, receive encouragement, and work through the 12-step program towards recovery. With a commitment to anonymity, fellowship, and mutual support, AA Area 53 plays a vital role in assisting individuals in Athens County OH on their journey to sobriety, fostering hope and healing within the community.