Our offices will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24 & 25, and on Dec. 31 & Jan. 1. If you need immediate help for addiction, please visit our Get Help Now page for links to hotlines and treatment providers.
A BCTV episode about efforts to reduce drug overdoses county-wide.
Throughout the pandemic, COCA sustained prevention efforts through online offerings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most dangerous time of the year for substance use and alcohol-related deaths is around the holiday months.
In December 2020, Berks County officials reported an uptick in overdose deaths.
We are hiring a Case Management Specialist/Trainee.
Over 200 professionals participated online in the 20th Annual COCA Conference in 2020.
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, our mascot Courage took a Mystery Tour of Berks County schools! From October 25 – 29 he visited 20 schools after hours. We caught him on video having some fun!
The Great American Smoke Out challenges Americans to quit tobacco.
Three virtual lessons that teach elementary, high school and middle school students about feelings and having courage.
In an October 2020 Reading Eagle article, local experts voiced concerns about the impact of the pandemic on abuse and addiction.
Statewide effort seeks to end the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder.
In July 2020, our prevention specialists handed out an estimated 5,000 booklets with prevention info and activities to libraries, summer camps, and other summer programs!
The Council on Chemical Abuse is currently offering Berks County families FREE medication lock boxes and medication disposal bags. Offer valid while supplies last.
Our brand new COCA Creative Activities for Meaningful Prevention (CAMP) Challenge will provide weekly activities for families through July 27.
The center has provided withdrawal management services to the Berks community for many years and is one of a number of Tower Health closures due to revenue losses.
This workshop for youth and adolescents explores potential issues that exist in the world of online gambling and video gaming.
View the winning entries in our 2020 poster contest on Online Gaming: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Watch a video of the SOS Berks Opioid Crisis Update, recorded on May 13. Learn about ongoing opioid treatment and recovery services in Berks County during COVID-19.
Experts believe smokers are vulnerable to the most dangerous impacts of COVID-19.
The coronavirus has led to an upheaval in society that has impacted the way people are consuming alcohol.
Treatment for substance use is still available from Berks County providers.
Individuals struggling with a gambling disorder may be more vulnerable during the pandemic.
Get links to local support groups that are meeting online during COVID-19.
Stay connected with the recovery community with virtual resources!
COCA Prevention Specialist Teresa Detweiler shares her expertise on vaping.
Local programs and initiatives continue to fight the opioid epidemic in Berks Co.
Some behaviors, like gaming and gambling, can produce symptoms similar to substance use disorder.
Pennsylvania continues to be one of the hardest-hit states by the opioid epidemic.
Learn more about problem gambling and find help for gambling problems with these suggested online resources.
A sell-out crowd of over 250 turned out to learn about Addiction & the Family.
The screenings, which are for parents and other adults, are available at no cost to districts.
RISE opened in September 2019, offering meetings and programs to support recovery.
COCA staff offer fun-filled prevention activities to summer camps, youth groups and other summer programs.
Throughout the summer of 2019, our Prevention Specialists offered a program that focused on kindness.
Online resources for understanding addiction and teenagers.
Tips for parents to help teens enjoy proms and graduations safely.
Online educational resources we recommend for classroom lessons on drug and alcohol prevention.
Online resources for prescription medication misuse facts and prevention strategies.
links to sites that provide valuable information about preventing underage drinking.
New research suggests that early alcohol exposure can come back to haunt a person later in life.
