Use and abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is more common than many may think. Learn the facts at the Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day event on Wednesday, June 8 at Dover.
Jennifer R. Demuth
May 30, 2011
253
Web Summary: Learn why substance abuse is a problem for many in Tuscarawas County. The public is invited to attend the first Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day event on Wednesday, June 8 from 6 to 9 pm at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.
June 3rd Edition
Use and abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is more common than many may think. Learn the facts at the Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day event on Wednesday, June 8 at Dover.
By Jennifer R. Demuth
When it comes to substance abuse (the prevalence and incidence of illicit drug, alcohol and tobacco use, abuse and dependence), many tend to think its not a problem in Tuscarawas County or that its a problem only among the homeless and those who are mentally ill and/or indigent. However, the reality is that many Tuscarawas County residents of all ages and from all socio-economic backgrounds struggle with substance abuse. And one local group hopes to raise awareness of the issue at the first-ever Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day.
All area residents are invited to learn the facts about substance abuse and how it affects every one on Wednesday, June 8 from 6 to 9 pm at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, 425 Prospect Street, Dover. The evenings presentations will include details about the local prevalence of substance abuse, a briefing about drug trafficking in Tuscarawas County with a show-and-tell of confiscated drugs and paraphernalia by Detective Captain Orvis Campbell of the Tuscarawas County Sheriffs Office, personal stories by families affected by substance abuse, and information on how community members can help.
Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day is being sponsored by the Pathway to Wellness Committee which was founded by Jack Ream (who also founded the homeless shelter and Dover-New Phila food pantry) to nurture, assist and advocate for individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness and/or abuse. Committee member Brian Kress of New Philadelphia (who also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Tuscarawas & Carroll Counties), said the event is designed to build public awareness and gain support. He also hopes the event will dispel myths and stereotypes about substance abuse. Those who come will hear some facts and figures that will surprise them, he shared. They will also hear a couple of personal stories from regular people like you and I whove been affected by substance abuse.
Kress explained that the event presentations will help average area homeowners, especially parents and grandparents who need to be aware of whats going on with their children and/or grandchildren. He said the show-and-tell portion of Detective Captain Campbells talk will be especially helpful because a lot of folks dont know what items look like since the packaging of drug paraphernalia is so attractively made.
Kress added that many tend to think that only people with mental illness or who are homeless or uneducated fall prey to substance abuse. However, that is not the case. In fact, Kress noted that over 70% of people from Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties who have sought help for substance abuse recovery are high school or college graduates. Unfortunately, for addicts seeking treatment, Tuscarawas County does not have a detoxification facility, and there is no substance abuse recovery home for men in the county. Ultimately, the Pathway to Wellness Committee hopes the Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day event will help the community understand the need for these services and offer support to help the committee realize the dream of creating a substance abuse recovery home for men (Harbor House currently provides the service for women.) in Tuscarawas County. Creating a medically-assisted detoxification unit in the county is also a priority. Although these goals will take time to achieve, Kress said, We want to start now by getting the public support.
Learn about this pressing need and show your support by attending the Community Substance Abuse Awareness Day.
