VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD IS

Here To Help.

Valley CSB's "Begin with Hope" campaign includes a collection of resources to empower residents of Staunton, Waynesboro, Highland, and Augusta communities to prevent methamphetamine use, stimulant misuse, and addiction.

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
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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.

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
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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
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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
Find your Community Services Board
Website
Parent Resources
Partnership to End Addiction

“Catching It Early”

Via DrugFree.org
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”

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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Valley CSB’s catchment area ranked 7th out of 40 CSBs regarding meth-specific drug cases in 2019.

More Statistics

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.
Need additional help?
Contact Valley Community Services Board
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