Substance Abuse
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Goals for Mercer County
Decrease the abuse of alcohol, tobacco including vaping and drugs by youth and adults in Mercer County
Increase awareness long-term affects of substance abuse through education
Substance use is often discounted and unfortunately accepted as a social norm. The appropriate use of legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, is heavily debated. The goal in Mercer County is to decrease the abuse of all substances and increase the awareness of long-term effects with the aim of decreasing the negative impact on overall health of individuals and the collective population, which includes cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, dementia, domestic violence, accidents and injuries, among many other health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if someone has a substance use problem?
Consult your personal health care provider if you feel you or someone you know has a problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service, available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about substance use problems.
How do I talk to someone about their addiction?
The National Institute of Drug Abuse provides language to help reduce stigma and show compassion and care when talking about yourself or others with substance abuse.
What is alcohol's effect on overall health?
Drinking heavily puts people at risk for many adverse health consequences, including alcohol use disorder, liver damage, and various cancers. Learn more about alcohol metabolism and the byproducts in the breakdown process.
Short-Term Health Risks
Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:
Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.
Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women.
Long-Term Health Risks
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:
High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.
Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.
Is there a tool to assess how alcohol might be affecting overall health?
An alcohol checklist can help you understand how your alcohol use might be affecting your overall health and life.
Local Resources
Foundations Behavioral Health Services
4761 OH-29
Celina, OH 45822
419-584-1000
Ohio CareLine
800-720-9616
Crisis Text Line
Text "4Hope" to 741-741
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meetings are scheduled regularly in Mercer County and the surrounding area.
Narcotics Anonymous
Meetings are scheduled regularly in Mercer County and the surrounding area.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon offers support for friends and families of alcoholics. Meetings are scheduled regularly in Mercer County and the surrounding area.
Brianna's Hope
115 E. Water Street
Portland, IN 47371
260-766-2006
info@ablbh.org
Celebrate Recovery
Meetings are scheduled regularly in Mercer County and the surrounding area.