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Lakewood, Ohio

Lakewood is a small suburb of Cleveland that is located right along the shore of Lake Erie. It has a population of just over 50,000 residents and is home to historical districts and the Sanctuary Museum. While Lakewood boasts a wealth of history, it is currently in the midst of a drug epidemic. Along with Cleveland and the surrounding cities of Parma and Euclid, there has been a large increase in drug use and drug overdoses over the past several years. If someone in Lakewood wants to stop using drugs, their best chance often lies in entering a Lakewood drug and alcohol rehab center.

Substance Abuse In Lakewood

Similar to many other cities in Ohio, Lakewood is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. This is occurring among opioid users but also amongst people who do not normally use opioid drugs. Fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller, is being used increasingly often as a cutting agent in non-opioid drugs. Because of the extremely addictive nature of this drug, many drug traffickers and distributors are using it to increase business. While it first showed up in heroin over a decade ago, it is being used more and more often to cut other drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, and counterfeit pills. This is dangerous for someone with an opioid habit, but it can be extremely dangerous for someone who does not normally use opioids and has little to no tolerance.

There are also other concerning cutting agents being used increasingly often in drugs that pose unique risks. In cocaine, the drugs levamisole, atropine, and phenacetin have been used more frequently over the past few years and these are all very dangerous. Atropine is a blood pressure medication, levamisole is a dewormer, and phenacetin is a banned painkiller that is known to cause kidney damage. Heroin seized in and around Lakewood has tested positive for acetaminophen, methamphetamine, papaverine, pentobarbital, and xylazine in addition to fentanyl and carfentanil. These additional cutting agents may complicate overdose treatment and can lead to a variety of unintentional and unwanted reactions.

In addition to the increased presence of fentanyl, there has been an increase in the quantity and variety of drugs in Lakewood in general. In particular, the drugs crystal meth, cocaine, crack, kratom, and illicit gabapentin have seen a drastic rise in availability over the last few years. One of the reasons for this is the proximity of the Canadian border. Lakewood is just across Lake Erie from Canada and is also very close to several major US interstates. In particular, I-90, I-80, I-77, and I-71 provide easy access to the rest of America. Any drugs moving into the country from Canada, or even leaving the country through Canada, may pass through Lakewood. As these drugs move through the city, some will inevitably be diverted for local sale and use.

Lakewood’s Response To Substance Abuse

Lakewood is experiencing a significant drug use and overdose epidemic, but local community members and leaders are taking steps to provide help. There are multiple charity groups, government programs, and community organizations that are working to bring about change in the Lakewood area. A few of these helpful organizations include:

  • Alcohol, Drug Addiction, & Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County: The Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board provides connections to care for mental health and substance abuse issues in Lakewood and the surrounding neighborhoods.
  • St. Vincent Charity Medical Center: This charity hospital provides medical care to people in need.
  • Frontline Service: This non-profit organization provides help to people in Lakewood who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. They also provide a 24/7 hotline at 216-623-6888.
  • Oriana House: This is a halfway house program for people struggling with substance abuse issues that has multiple locations around Lakewood.
  • Bellefaire: This youth-oriented prevention and rehabilitation organization provides care and support to young people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
  • Stella Maris: This charity organization has been providing substance abuse treatment to needy people for over 75 years.
  • Far West Center: This is a community-run and peer-led organization for people in recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues.
  • Future Directions: A peer-led mental health and substance abuse recovery support center.
  • Thrive: This is a peer-led recovery support group that provides aid to the people of Cuyahoga County.

Drug and Alcohol Detox & Rehab in Lakewood

Drug use can certainly be dangerous, but even quitting certain drugs can be dangerous if someone has used them in large quantities, a long time, and especially when someone has done both. Alcohol and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, can cause dangerous and potentially fatal effects if someone suddenly stops taking them. To quit using these and other drugs in the safest way possible, it is highly recommended to enter a Lakewood drug and alcohol detox center. These detox centers can help reduce the risks of complications and also provide relief from the discomfort of withdrawal. Once detox has been completed safely, treatment and recovery can begin in earnest.

Addiction Recovery In Lakewood

During their time at our Lakewood drug and alcohol rehab center, we encourage our clients to build a solid foundation for their recovery. This often includes building new relationships and connections with other people in recovery in the larger community. Thankfully, Lakewood has a vibrant and diverse recovery community including many different types of recovery fellowships. Some of these are 12-Step while others are religious, spiritual, or therapy-based. There is no right way to recover, and we encourage our clients to get connected with the recovery fellowship that seems most appropriate for them.

Some of the 12-Step recovery fellowships around Lakewood include:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous: The Cleveland AA website provides a meeting finder tool and currently lists dozens of AA meetings near Lakewood each week.
  • Narcotics Anonymous: The Western Area General Service of Narcotics Anonymous website lists NA meetings in and around Lakewood each week.
  • Heroin Anonymous: The Heroin Anonymous World Services website currently lists half a dozen HA meetings near Lakewood each week.
  • Crystal Meth Anonymous: The Crystal Meth Anonymous World Services website provides a list of 6 meetings near Lakewood each week.
  • Cocaine Anonymous: The Northeast Ohio District Committee of Cocaine Anonymous provides a list of over a dozen CA meetings each week near Lakewood.

Aside from the traditional 12-Step programs, there are other options in and around Lakewood. There are Christian-based programs, Buddhism-inspired recovery groups, and sobriety training fellowships. A few of these in the Lakewood area include:

  • Celebrate Recovery: This is a Christian-based recovery fellowship that currently has over a dozen meetings near Lakewood each week.
  • Recovery Dharma: This is a Buddhist-inspired recovery program that has several meetings around Ohio each week and many virtual meetings every day.
  • SMART Recovery: An acronym for Self-Management And Recovery Training, this recovery fellowship has oven a dozen meetings near Lakewood each week.

While there are recovery support groups for people who struggle with drugs and alcohol, there are also support and recovery programs for the friends and families of people who struggle with addiction. Being close to someone who struggles with drugs and alcohol can be a very difficult and traumatizing experience. Finding support, understanding, and hope from others who have watched a loved one battle addiction can be extremely helpful and healing. A few of these groups near Lakewood include:

  • Al-Anon: This support group is for the friends or family of people who have struggled with drugs or alcohol. There are currently 2 meetings per week in Lakewood but many more in the surrounding areas.
  • Nar-Anon: This is a support group for the friends and family of people who have struggled with drug addiction. There are currently 3 meetings per week near Lakewood. 

Need More Help? Recovery Is A Phone Call Away

Ohio Addiction Recovery Center offers free transportation to and from treatment, no matter where you are in Ohio! We offer medical detox, inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, and sober living in Central Ohio. When it comes to addiction treatment, you shouldn’t settle for just any treatment center. With our evidence-based model, individualized treatment plans, and state of the art facility, our program was voted the best addiction treatment center in Ohio by Newsweek.

We accept most insurance plans. If you are worried about work, school, or legal matters, our comprehensive case management team can help you navigate a path to recovery. If you think you’re ready for the next step, call us today at (800) 481-8457 to speak with a compassionate specialist.

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