In the quiet town of Lufkin, Texas, 17-year-old Jacob never thought he would see his life spiral out of control. A talented athlete with college scholarships in sight, he had a bright future ahead—until prescription painkillers took it all away. It started innocently enough, a prescription after a minor injury. But as the pills ran out, the cravings remained. Within a year, he was forging prescriptions, borrowing money, and eventually turning to fentanyl-laced pills bought on the street.
Jacob’s story is not unique. Across Deep East Texas, young people are falling victim to substance use disorders at alarming rates. According to the 2024 Regional Needs Assessment by the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC), Region 5 has the highest overdose death rate per 100,000 people in Texas. The rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids has only worsened the crisis, with fatal overdoses climbing steadily since 2018 (source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov).
But Jacob’s story doesn’t end in tragedy. His mother, recognizing the warning signs, reached out to a local prevention program. Through ADAC’s intervention services and support from recovery specialists, Jacob entered treatment and has been sober for nearly two years. Today, he works as a mentor for at-risk youth, sharing his experience to prevent others from going down the same path.
The dangers of substance misuse extend far beyond personal tragedy. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that Region 5 has seen a surge in fentanyl-related overdoses, with an 8.2% death rate exceeding the state average (source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov).
Many of these cases involve teens and young adults who unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced drugs, believing they are taking something less harmful.
The 2024 Regional Needs Assessment highlights a troubling trend: while underage drinking and traditional tobacco use have declined, vaping and marijuana use among high school students remain high (source: https://www.texasschoolsurvey.org).
The survey found that 14% of teens who vape use THC cartridges, many of which are contaminated with harmful substances, including fentanyl.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (March 17-23, 2025) serves as a reminder that education is the most powerful tool in the fight against substance misuse. ADAC, in partnership with schools and community organizations, will host events throughout the week to raise awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol use.
One of the most impactful programs is ADAC’s peer-to-peer education initiative, where young people like Jacob share their stories with local students. “When they hear it from someone who’s been there, it resonates,” says Michelle Cox, Mindset Coach in Nacogdoches. “We’re not just throwing statistics at them. We’re showing them that recovery is possible.”
Parents are also encouraged to take an active role in prevention. Studies show that open conversations about drug and alcohol use significantly reduce the likelihood of teen substance experimentation (source: https://www.samhsa.gov). ADAC offers resources to help families initiate these discussions, including online toolkits and community workshops.
As we observe National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, we must recognize that substance use prevention is a community effort. Schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and parents all play a role in shaping a healthier future for our youth.
Jacob’s journey from addiction to recovery is a testament to the power of intervention and support. “If I can turn my life around, so can anyone,” he says. “The first step is asking for help.”
For more information on prevention programs, resources, and upcoming events, visit www.adacdet.org or call
1-800-445-8562. Let’s work together to ensure that no more young lives are lost to addiction.
Paige Bentley
Public Relations Coordinator
Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council
Counties Served: Angelina, Hardin, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity & Tyler Counties
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