The COCA offices will be closed on Nov. 11 in honor of Veteran’s Day. If you need help for substance use, please visit our Get Help Now page for links to hotlines and service providers.

Our Programs

The Council on Chemical Abuse provides a number of programs on substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery in Berks County.


Learn About Our Programs

Free Tobacco Cessation Classes


Our FREE classes offer support, guidance and free nicotine replacement therapy to help people quit tobacco.

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Medication Safety


Proper storage and disposal of medications prevents accidental and intentional misuse and helps protect the environment.

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Overdose Education & Narcan® Distribution


Narcan® is the brand name for the drug naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse an overdose caused by opioids.

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Harm Reduction


Harm reduction saves lives by lowering risks associated with substance use.

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2024 Summer Program: The Future is Prevention


Every summer, COCA's Prevention Team provides free prevention programming to Berks County summer camps, playgrounds and and youth programs.

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RISE Center


The RISE Center (Recovery – Information – Support – Education) is a facility in Reading hosting meeting and events to support individuals and families in recovery from addiction.

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Awareness Campaigns


The Council on Chemical Abuse participates in more than a dozen local, state and national campaigns that raise awareness about substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.

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BCTV & WEEU


COCA hosts monthly episodes on BCTV and WEEU on topics related to prevention, recovery and treatment of addiction.

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Marijuana Diversion


The Marijuana Diversion Program is a partner program with Berks County Magisterial District Judges to provide education to those charged with marijuana possession or paraphernalia.

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Pat Ganter Scholarship


This $5,000 award is awarded annually in May to a Berks County High School Senior. The deadline for the 2024 application period is now passed.

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Berks County Warm Handoff Program


The Warm Handoff Program works to provide treatment intervention to individuals who enter hospitals with substance use disorders.

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Certified Recovery Specialist Training


The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) credential qualifies drug and alcohol peers who are in recovery to help others move into and through the recovery process.

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Youth Engagement Programs


The Council on Chemical Abuse offers several programs that actively engage Berks County youth in prevention causes.

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Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14


Our Strengthening Families Program for parents and youth ages 10-14 helps families build stronger bonds through fun activities over seven weeks.

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