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“An Outreach Program for Families Dealing with Addiction” |
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Heroin Action Coalition of Carroll County |
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About Us |
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During the 1990s families in Carroll County experienced a crisis like no other. Our children were addicted to heroin and using other addictive substances. We had erroneously believed that by living in a rural area we would prevent our children from experimenting with dangerous substances. Our close proximity to a large metropolitan area, Baltimore City, allowed for easy access to the lifestyle we were trying to prevent.
In the summer of 2000 the number of adolescents entering the criminal justice system, due to drug use, became staggering. These children represented all socio-economic levels; many religions; and varying races and cultures. Parents, law enforcement, and elected government representatives met several times in open forums to discuss the crisis. Out of these meetings, and in response to the urgency of the situation, HACCC was formed.
According to the Maryland Adolescent Survey 2001 our youth had the highest rate of substance use in Maryland (including Baltimore City) in the following categories: cigarettes, beer and wine, liquor, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin, and inhalants. Heroin use was three times higher than the state average.
The most recent Maryland Adolescent Survey indicates an overall downward trend in substance use, but tobacco, beer and wine, and alcohol consumption remain high. Carroll County saw an increase among subpopulations in the use of methamphetamines, barbiturates and tranquilizers, PCP, narcotics (codeine, morphine, percodan), heroin and the use of needles to inject heroin.
HACCC remains committed and active in the community. Some of our children have made it through recovery from heroin addiction and are now leading drug-free, productive, and happy lives. Some of our children are in the local detention center or in state prisons, serving time for drug related crimes. And still others continue to use substances while remaining anonymous or undetected.
We have made progress toward educating the community about substance abuse and addiction, but we have not eradicated it. Today, we remain ever vigilant in our desire to help families and friends navigate through the devastating world of addiction. |
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Contact HACCC: P.O. Box 536 Hampstead, Maryland 21074 24 Hour Maryland Local Help Line: 410-386-2424 Toll Free: 1-866-HEROIN1 |
