If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose emergency, call 911 immediately.
VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD IS

Here To Help.

Valley CSB's "Begin with Hope" campaign includes a collection of resources to empower Virginia residents in the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta and Highland to prevent substance misuse as well as addiction to fentanyl, methamphetamine, or other opioids and stimulants. 

See Local Resources

Freedom from Misuse

Being informed about the nature of stimulant abuse is the first step towards prevention. Watch our campaign video to learn more facts about meth and services available at Valley Community Services Board.

Begin With Hope

Our goal is to prevent addiction by raising awareness around the dangers of methamphetamines
Man looking up
What is
a Stimulant?

A stimulant is a substance that causes a person to have elevated nervous system activity, such as more alertness, increased physical activity, rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, and anxiety.
‍
Some common stimulants include cocaine, nicotine, and even coffee.
 
Meth, which is short for methamphetamine, is an illegal, highly addictive stimulant drug that has significant adverse health effects.

Stimulant Rack Card-Front
‍Stimulant Rack Card-Back
‍Opioid Rack Card-Front
‍Opioid Rack Card-Back
Learn More
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Preventing Stimulant Misuse

Preventing stimulant misuse is important in preventing addiction and adverse side effects.
‍
Important factors for preventing misuse include:

  • Knowing the risk factors
  • Safe storage of medications
  • Being informed
Learn More
woman on laptop
Risk Factors for Addiction

There are many reasons why children and adults may abuse stimulants. Those that are at the highest risk for misuse include people that:

  • Already abuse other substances such as cocaine, tobacco, or alcohol.
  • Have a family history of substance abuse.
  • Have a history of mental health conditions such as depression and attention disorders.
  • Have easy access to stimulants.
Learn More
a collection of prescription medication bottles
Safe
Storage

Safe storage of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication is one of the first steps in preventing stimulant addiction and misuse.

Prescription stimulants can include ADHD and depression medications.

The Center for Disease Control recommends storing medicines up, away, and out of sight.

Learn More


Lock and Talk, a suicide prevention initiative, supplies medication lock boxes to people in Virginia who need their help.

Learn More
Need additional Information?
Contact Valley Community Services Board

Prevention Begins with Hope

Being informed about the dangers of potential Fentanyl exposure and overdose can help keep yourself and others safe.  Access additional Resources.

Fentanyl Overview

Often mixed with other illicit drugs, Fentanyl is especially dangerous to those unaware of its presence.

You can reduce the risks for your community and loved ones by staying informed
Woman looking at scientific materials
What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an anesthetic or to treat severe pain. Fentanyl and other prescription opioids are powerful drugs with a high risk for dependency as well as addiction.  It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Brand names for prescribed fentanyl include: Sublimaze, Abstral, Subsys, Duragesic, and Ionsys. Fentanyl is now commonly mixed with illicit drugs including everything from meth and cocaine to fake prescription pills often sold as Oxycotine, Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax or Adderall.  

Fentanyl Rack CardLearn More
Pharmacy sign
Fake Pills

Due to a combination of its low cost and high potency, Fentanyl is becoming more common as an additive to fake prescription pills to increase the seller’s profits. 

In 2022, the DEA found that 6 out of 10 fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. Remember, only take medications provided by licensed pharmacies and as prescribed by a doctor.

    Learn More
    3 people talking to each other
    Fentanyl in Methamphetamine

    Overdose deaths from using stimulants and opioids at the same time have led to worries about the stimulant supply possibly being mixed with fentanyl.

    NPR Coverage

    Learn More Learn More
    3 people talking to each other
    Safe
    Storage

    Safe storage of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication is one of the first steps in preventing fentanyl addiction and misuse.

    Prescription fentanyl can include  “lollipops” (Actiq®), tablets (Fentora®, Abstral®), sprays (Subsys®, Lazanda®), patches (Duragesic®), and injectable formulations.

    The Center for Disease Control recommends storing medicines up, away, and out of sight.

    Learn More

    Lock and Talk, a suicide prevention initiative, supplies medication lock boxes to people in Virginia who need their help.

    Learn More
    Need additional Information?
    Contact Valley Community Services Board
    A woman outside looking free, arms spread apart, while the sun sets

    Need Help?

    We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you or someone you care about prevent or overcome stimulant addiction.

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    Resources

    Local Resources
    Valley Community Services Board

    Servicing the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, Counties of Augusta and Highland
    Main Line: 540-887-3200
    Emergency Services: 540-885-0866

    See More
    REVIVE! Training

    REVIVE! Training covers addiction, opioids, legal protections, and opioid overdose response.

    See MoreREVIVE! Lay Rescuer
    Find your Community Services Board
    Website
    Parent Resources
    Operation Prevention

    Discover • Connect • Prevent

    Via DrugFree.org
    Partnership to End Addiction

    “Catching It Early”

    Learn More
    Article:

    “How to Spot the Signs of Teen or Young Adult Substance Use”

    Via DrugFree.org
    Article:

    “Talk. They Hear You.”

    Via SAMHSA.gov
    Article:

    "Rise in Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Impacting Teens"

    SAMHSA.gov
    Teen/Youth Resources
    Tips for Teens

    Fact Sheet

    Via SAMHSA.gov
    Article:

    “What is Methamphetamine?” 

    Teens.DrugAbuse.gov
    The Meth Project

    Meth. Not Even Once.

    MethProject.org
    National Resources
    SAMHSA

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

    “Know the Risks of Meth”
    DOJ/DEA

    Department of Justice  / Drug Enforcement Administration

    Methamphetamine Drug Fact Sheet
    CDC

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    Drug Overdose Facts
    DrugFree.Org

    A national organization dedicated to addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.

    DrugFree.org
    CPAMM

    The Coalition to Prevent ADHD Medication Misuse 

    CPAMM.org
    NIH Article

    National Institute of Health

    "The Prevention of Stimulant Misuse”
    Fentanyl-What can be done?

    CDC-Opioid Basics

    Learn More

    Community Impacts

    Local Facts and Statistics
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    From 2017- 2019, Valley CSB’s Catchment area ranked 5th out of 40 CSBs in accidental and undetermined fatal overdoses involving Methamphetamines.

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    In 2022, an average of 7 Virginians died of a drug overdose every day.

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    In 2020 within VCSB’s catchment area, 69% of drugs seized or tested were Methamphetamines

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     Fatal drug overdose has been the leading method of unnatural death in Virginia since 2013.

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    Fentanyl (prescription, illicit, and/or analogs) caused or contributed to death in 75.7% of all fatal overdoses in 2022.

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    Fatal non-opioid illicit drug overdoses are on the rise. In 2020, fatal cocaine overdoses increased 22.0% and fatal meth overdoses increased 5.1% compared to 2021.

    More Statistics

    Drop Box Locations

    It is important to promptly dispose of unused or expired medicine. Proper and timely disposal minimizes the chances of accidental ingestion or intentional misuse by others.

    Take a look at the map below to find a medication drop box near you. Please note, items that are not accepted in the drop boxes are syringes, needles, sharps, illegal narcotics, and biohazard materials.

    Store locator is loading from StoreRocket Store Locator App..

    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions
    How can I tell if someone is addicted to meth?
    Only a professional can determine this, but some signs that might cause concern include:
    • Paranoia and hallucinations
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Extreme weight loss
    • Decline in oral health
    • Anxiety
    • Severe mood swings
    • Intense itching and scratching of the skin
    Read More>
    I’m concerned about a friend’s substance use. What should I do?
    A good place to start is by learning the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, observing their behavior, and then approaching them when they are sober.

    It is important to speak with your friend in an attentive, kindhearted manner and not with a judgmental tone. Allow for a two-way conversation and listen with an empathetic ear.

    If your friend is in an emergency, call 911.
    Read More>
    I’d like to talk with my child about substance use. How do I start the conversation?
    Having open conversations with children about substance abuse is a great way to prevent misuse and addiction before they are exposed.

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends keeping the conversation “low-key” and to plan multiple “short talks.”

    SAMHSA also offers five conversation goals, including:
    • Showing disapproval
    • Expressing that you care about their health
    • Demonstrating that you’re a good source of information about substances
    • Being attentive
    • Teaching them how to overcome peer pressure
    Read More>
    Where can I go for help and treatment?
    Talk to your doctor, a counselor, or any other healthcare professional you trust. If you are a minor, talk to your parents or a teacher.

    You can also call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at: 1–800–662–HELP (1–800–662–4357) or visit the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator at findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
    ‍
    For Virginia residents, find your local CSB.
    How can you help during an opioid overdose?
    From SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention TOOLKIT
    ‍
    Step 1: Evaluate For Signs Of Opioid Overdose
    Step 2: Call 911 For Help
    Step 3: Administer Naloxone/Narcan
    • HOLD the nasal spray devise with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger
    • INSERT the nozzle into either NOSTRIL
    • PRESS the plunger firmly to give the first dose
    • One nasal spray device is one dose
    Step 4: Support The Person’s Breathing
    Step 5: Monitor The Person’s Response
    Need additional help?
    Contact Valley Community Services Board
    ABOUT VCSB

    Valley Community Services Board
    85 Sanger’s Ln. Staunton, VA 24401

    Main Phone Line:
    540-887-3200
    Emergency Services:
    540-885-0866

    myvalleycsb.orgFind Your Local CSB

    Revive Training

    NATIONAL
    CPAMM.orgDrugFree.orgMethProject.orgNIDASAMHSA.gov
    HOTLINES

    SAMHSA’s National Helpline
    A free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
    1-800-662-HELP (4357)

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Dial or text 988 to reach the Crisis Lifeline.

    Facebook icon, takes user to VCSB facebook page
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    Email: myvalleycsb@gmail.com
    Phone: 540-887-3200

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