Category Archives: Alcohol Abuse

The Power of Peer Support: Building a Sober Social Circle

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In the journey toward sobriety, building a sober social circle can be instrumental in maintaining recovery and achieving long-term success in overcoming addiction. While professional treatment and therapy play crucial roles, the camaraderie, understanding, and encouragement found within peer groups can provide unique benefits that foster resilience and growth.

Peer support involves individuals with similar experiences coming together to provide mutual assistance, encouragement, and guidance. Peer support groups offer a safe space where you can share your struggles, successes, and strategies for maintaining sobriety. These groups can take various forms, including 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and other community-based support networks.

Benefits of Building a Sober Social Circle:

1. Shared Understanding and Empathy: In a sober social circle, you can relate to each other’s experiences without fear of judgment or stigma. This sense of camaraderie fosters trust and creates a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood.

2. Accountability and Motivation: Knowing that others are facing similar challenges and rooting for each other’s success can inspire you to stay committed to sobriety goals. Peer support groups often set personal milestones, celebrate achievements, and offer encouragement during difficult times, reinforcing your resolve to stay sober.

3. Learning and Growth: You have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and gain valuable insights into coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and effective recovery tools through educational sessions, guest speakers, and sharing sessions.

4. Building Healthy Relationships: It allows you to establish healthy and meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and support. Unlike social circles centered around alcohol or substance use, sober peer groups prioritize positive activities, shared interests, and personal growth, fostering genuine connections that contribute to overall well-being.

Tips for Building a Sober Social Circle:

1. Join a support group such as AA, SMART Recovery, or a similar community-based program.

2. Engage in sober activities and events that align with your interests, whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, hiking, or book clubs.

3. Explore online forums, chat groups, and social media platforms dedicated to sobriety and recovery. These virtual communities offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, especially for those unable to attend in-person meetings.

The power of peer support in building a sober social circle cannot be overstated. By connecting with individuals who understand the challenges of addiction recovery firsthand, individuals can find strength, inspiration, and hope on their journey to sobriety. Through shared experiences, accountability, and mutual encouragement, peer support groups empower individuals to embrace a sober lifestyle, cultivate healthy relationships, and achieve lasting recovery.

*Sources:*

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).” 2018.

2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Recovery and Recovery Support.” 2020.

3. Moos, R. H. “Active ingredients of substance use-focused self-help groups.” Addiction, 2015.

4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help.” 2014.

CJ Crawford

DrugFree Greenville

Public Education Committee

Know Your Facts

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Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of the facts surrounding these substances in order to make an informed decision about their use. What better time to provide our community with facts concerning drug and alcohol abuse than National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Monday, March 18, to Sunday, March 24, 2024? 

One of the most alarming facts about drugs and alcohol is their impact on physical health. Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, leading to risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual practices. They can also have long-term effects on the brain, causing memory loss, cognitive impairment, and addiction. Furthermore, experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age can hinder proper brain development and increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse disorders later in life. Unfortunately, for most youth today, health problems that occur years down the road is not preventative measure that will deter youth from experimenting. 

Experimenting with drugs today is vastly different from decades past. In the 1960s and 70s, drug experimentation was often seen as a rebellious act against societal norms, with substances like LSD and marijuana being popular choices. Today, however, drug experimentation is more dangerous than ever due to the rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and bath salts. Fentanyl and bath salts are often much more potent and unpredictable than their natural counterparts, leading to a higher risk of overdose and death, leaving families and communities devastated.  Our community takes an especially hard hit because Texas is a national distribution center for illicit drugs. Drug traffickers commonly smuggle illicit drugs into and through the state. Drug traffickers generally use Interstates 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35, as well as U.S. Highways 59, 77, 83, and 281 as primary routes for transporting drugs throughout Texas from Mexico. 

We must work together to prevent access to illegal drugs by children. It is crucial to educate ourselves about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse to protect ourselves and educate our youth about the risks and consequences of drug use.  Drug Free Greenville is a vital program aimed at combating substance abuse and addiction in our community by providing education, prevention, and treatment resources.  This program seeks to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents of Greenville. One of the key components of the Drug Free Greenville programs is its focus on early intervention and educating young people about the dangers of drug use and providing them with alternative coping mechanisms, so we can prevent substance abuse before it starts. Additionally, the program offers support by connecting individuals to resources such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services. 

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to live a healthy and sober life but that decision is easier when you know the facts.

Karla Meeks

Drug Free Greenville Public Education Committee

Marketing Manager of the Mental Health Clinic of Greenville

Explaining “Self-Medication” to Kids

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Self-medication is when someone tries to make themselves feel better by using things like alcohol or illegal drugs. You know how when you have a headache, you might take medicine to feel better? Well, sometimes people use things like alcohol or drugs to try to feel better emotionally, not just physically. But the problem is, it doesn’t really work the same way.

Imagine you’re feeling sad or upset because of something happening in your life, like problems at school or with friends. Instead of talking to someone or finding healthy ways to cope, some people might choose to drink alcohol or use drugs to forget about their feelings or feel happier. They think it will help them feel better, at least for a little while.

But the thing is, using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings isn’t a good idea. It might make you feel better for a short time, but it can make things worse in the long run. In the first place, it’s not a real fix.  Just like putting a band-aid on a broken arm won’t really help, using alcohol or drugs to numb your feelings won’t fix what’s really bothering you. It might seem like it helps at first, but those feelings will still be there when the effects wear off.

More importantly, it can be dangerous! Alcohol and drugs can make you feel dizzy, sick, or even make you pass out. They can also mess with your brain and body, especially if you’re still growing and developing. Using them when you’re not supposed to or in large amounts can be really risky and lead to even more problems. It can affect your relationship with your family and friends, your schoolwork, and even your health. Plus, if you rely on alcohol or drugs to cope, it can be hard to stop using them later.

Instead of turning to alcohol or drugs, it’s important to find healthy ways to deal with your feelings. Talking to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or counselor, can really help. You can also try things like exercise, drawing, writing, or listening to music to help you feel better.

Remember, it’s okay to feel sad, stressed, or angry sometimes. Everyone goes through tough times. But using alcohol or drugs to try to escape those feelings isn’t the answer. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope and get the support you need when you’re feeling down. You’re not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

CJ Crawford – DrugFree Greenville Board Member

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

Drive Sober This Independence Day, and Every Day: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

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This Independence Day, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) want to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.


No matter how people choose to celebrate Independence Day, do it safely and always have a sober ride. Anyone under the influence of alcohol that chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle not only puts everyone on the road in danger but also themselves. Fourth of July festivities often start early in the day and go into the evening or late at night, causing more cars to be on the roads at night. In 2019, 515 people died in motor vehicle traffic
crashes over the July Fourth holiday period. Thirty-eight percent (198) of those fatalities
occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Many of the drivers arrested for drunk driving on the Fourth of July have likely been drinking alcohol throughout the day at various planned
gatherings.


“We want our community to have a happy and safe Independence Day, one that they’ll remember for years to come, for all the right reasons,” said AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent Mary Shockley, Hunt County. “We’ve partnered with NHTSA and TxDOT to help remind drivers that even one drink before driving is when impairment begins. Under no circumstance is it ever OK to drink and drive. This behavior is illegal, it’s deadly, and it’s selfish. Do everyone in your community a favor: If you’ll be drinking at a Fourth of July party, or for any occasion, plan ahead for a sober ride.”


From 2015 to 2019, there were 1,339 people killed in drunk-driving crashes over the Fourth of July holiday. Of those people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, almost 4 out of 5 (79 percent) of them occurred in nighttime crashes (between 6:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Watch UR BAC’s goal is for everyone to enjoy red, white, and blue in their flags, fireworks, and family gatherings — not in their rear-view mirror. The only way to prevent this is to never drink and drive.


Celebrate with a Plan
This Fourth of July, the Watch UR BAC program, NHTSA, and TxDOT urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If planning on drinking, plan how to safely travel without driving.


Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Educator Mary Shockley, Hunt
County, reminds drivers to follow these tips for a safe night on the roads:
● Remember: It is never OK to drink and drive — even if after only one alcoholic
beverage. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to
get home safely.
● Suspect a motorist on the road is driving drunk or intoxicated? Contact local law
enforcement immediately.
● Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and make
arrangements to get them home safely.

Intoxication is More Than Alcohol: Drive High. Get a DWI!

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Everyone knows that “buzzed driving” is drunk driving, but what about driving high? The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Watch UR BAC team is spreading the word that it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, including drugs.

In 2020, 56 percent of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. This is why it is so important to spread this life-saving message: Drive High. Get a DWI. It does not matter what term is used—high, buzzed, stoned, wasted, or drunk—no one should get behind the wheel impaired. Think being high will not affect a person’s driving? That is wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.


Marijuana is not the only drug that will cause this kind of impairment. Multiple other illegal
drugs can cause slowed reaction time, drowsiness, blurred vision, poor balance, and other
deficiencies, which will impact a driver from being able to safely operate a vehicle.
If selected to be a designated driver, stick to the plan: Do not use drugs (legally or illegally
obtained). For all drivers, the best defense against impaired drivers on the road is their seatbelt. Wear it on every trip, and make sure all passengers are also buckled up.

Drug-impaired driving is a big problem. It is deadly, illegal, and a rising challenge for law
enforcement. Although a lot of focus on impaired driving is centered around holidays, make no mistake, it happens every day on Texas roadways. If any type of drug is being taken, whether it is prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal, pass the keys to a sober friend. Remember: A DWI applies to more than just alcohol. No matter what kind of drug has been used, if someone feels different it will make them drive differently.

Remember these safety tips and spread the message to friends and family members:
● If using an impairing substance (such as marijuana), do not drive. Passengers should
never ride with an impaired driver. If a driver appears that they may be impaired, do not
get in the car with them.
● If planning to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive to the destination.
Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a
vehicle. It is never OK to drive while impaired by any substance.
● Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take
caution before driving after using any medication.
● Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and
arrange to get them home safely. Do not worry about offending someone—they will be
thankful later.
● If available, use the community’s sober ride program.
● If an impaired driver is suspected on the road, call 911 immediately when it is safe to do
so.