August 26, 2025 - Since 1978, the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council (ADAC) has quietly transformed lives across 15 counties, from the piney woods of Lufkin and Nacogdoches to the industrial corridors of Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties. That mission, to prevent alcohol or drug misuse, provide hope, and restore families resonates in every community they touch.
Take, for example, a recent post on ADAC’s Facebook page: “We… know that simple acts of kindness can go a long way, especially for youth and families navigating tough times.” It’s a philosophy reflected in every ADAC program—from youth education featuring Leo the Drug-Free Lion to nurturing intervention for young parents.
At the heart of ADAC’s outreach is prevention. Through classroom programs and community events, ADAC delivers age-appropriate, research-based education on substance misuse to children and teens. But the work goes beyond information, it’s about building resilience. ADAC empowers families and communities with the tools they need to recognize risks, make healthy choices, and support one another. These prevention efforts foster collaboration among parents, educators, law enforcement, business owners, and local leaders, all working together to address underage drinking, vaping, and drug misuse with a united purpose.
Backing this effort is the Prevention Resource Center Region 5 (PRC 5), based in Lufkin, which acts as the nerve center for data gathering and community education. PRC 5 identifies behavioral health trends, develops digital and print resources, and distributes vital regional data to stakeholders, creating an informed network of prevention across all 15 counties.
For families already affected by alcohol or drug misuse, the story becomes more personal. Programs like PADREs (Parenting Awareness & Drug Risk Education) support expectant mothers and young parents in communities like Lufkin and Livingston, combining evidence-based parenting strategies with compassionate peer support. These aren’t just classes, they’re pathways for generational transformation.
When someone is ready for change, ADAC stands with them. The OSAR team (Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral) helps uninsured individuals at their most vulnerable moments, connecting them to compassionate treatment resources through warm, respectful support. Licensed outpatient services for adults and youth offer tailored recovery plans guided by qualified counselors and therapists.
Court mandated programs aren’t left behind. ADAC’s court-mandated programs, including DWI Education, DWI Intervention, and Drug Offender Education, blend education with introspection, helping participants "rewrite their story."
And this story extends far beyond counseling rooms. Every year, ADAC organizes events like Prom Project to keep teens safe, hosts Drug Take Back days, coordinates summer youth activities, and hosts community recovery rallies. Their presence isn’t just seen, it’s felt.
As Kim Bartel, PRC-5 Manager, notes, “Our goal is simple: serve the community with clarity and compassion. By sharing real-time data, building relationships, and offering guidance, we spark positive change across East Texas.”
If you or someone you know is in need of ADAC’s services, or simply wants more information, please contact us at 1-800-445-8562 or visit www.adacdet.org. Help is just a call away.
