The Risks of Self-Medication Practices

man in therapy representing risk of self-medication

There are many risks of self-medication with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or illicit substances. Sometimes, self-medicating can lead to dependence on the substance. In the worst cases, it can cause serious health problems or even death. Read on to learn more about the many risks of self-medication practices and find out how to get effective […]

Everything You Need to Know About Speedball & Its Dangers

mother talking to son depicting speedball

Mixing cocaine (a stimulant) and heroin (a depressant) is called a speedball. This combination is very dangerous and can easily cause a deadly overdose. Read on to learn more about the effects of a speedball, what is speedball drug addiction, and how to get effective treatment. What Is Speedball Drug? A speedball is a mix […]

My Son Is an Addict—What Do I Do?

image of mother and son depicting my son is an addict

“My son is an addict.” If you’re facing this reality, you may worry about getting a call saying he’s in the hospital, has been arrested, or worse. We created this guide to help you. You’ll learn how to tackle your son’s drug or alcohol addiction together. There’s hope, and with effort, he can overcome this. […]

Cincinnati Ohio Drug Stats 2024

ohio map representing Cincinnati drug statistics

With addiction on the rise across the US, it’s important that we take a look at local Cincinnati drug statistics as they are increasing at a rapid rate. Cincinnati, Ohio, like many other cities in the United States, has been affected by the opioid crisis and other drug problems. The city has been working hard […]

Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Columbus Ohio

drug abuse statistics cincinnati ohio

Statistics on alcohol abuse in Ohio show that addiction to alcohol is the most common contributor to substance use disorders in the state. Read on to learn more about the damaging effects of this legal but potentially dangerous substance. What Are the Alcoholism Statistics in Ohio? Alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) is a chronic brain disorder […]

Addiction Statistics: Dayton Ohio

addiction statistics dayton ohio

Dayton, with a population of roughly 165,000, is situated in Montgomery County, Ohio. Dayton has been at the forefront of the U.S. heroin market since it became a growing issue nationwide in the late 1990s. Rather than distributing their drugs in large cities like New York or Chicago, Mexican drug traffickers have targeted Dayton, Ohio, […]

Is Mixing Opioids and Alcohol Dangerous?

image representing opioids and alcohol

Combining opioids with alcohol is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. Both substances act as depressants of the CNS (central nervous system), reducing brain activity and triggering effects like drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed breathing. Mixing the substances leads to intensified depressive effects, dramatically increasing the likelihood of severe complications like unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and overdose, […]

Overcoming The Stigma of Addiction in Ohio

an image of someone dealing with the stigma of addiction

Stigma and addiction can be interrelated. Many people battling substance use disorders – the clinical term for addictions – experience feelings of shame or may perceive their condition as a failure of character. These feelings are often rooted in the longstanding social stigma of addiction. Stigma refers to a trait or action that leads to […]

Ohio Prescription Drug Abuse: Statistics, Prevention, & Treatment

mother talking to son depicting speedball

Prescription drug abuse in Ohio remains a significant concern. Rates of substance use disorders among Ohio residents surpass the national average, including rates of prescription drug addiction. While treatment-seeking rates have increased in Ohio and across the United States, there is still much work needed to address this ongoing epidemic of Ohio prescription drug addiction […]

Is Addiction Genetic?

parent and child representing Is addiction genetic

Many people – especially those with a history of addiction in their family – are eager to understand the factors that contribute to addiction. Is addiction genetic, then? Many scientific studies show that genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of addiction. Addiction is clinically described as substance use disorder and characterized by the […]

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn