January 8, 2026 - Imagine a son once lost in the cycle of addiction, now joyfully back at the dinner table with his family. This is the powerful difference treatment can make. January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, dedicated to highlighting the real, proven power of treatment and recovery. It’s a time to promote hope, reduce stigma, and underscore that support is available for everyone.
In Shelby County and beyond, substance use disorder affects daily life, families, and entire communities. The clear takeaway is that treatment leads to recovery when the right support is in place.
One Deep East Texas resident struggled quietly for years before seeking help. The echo of her footsteps resonated in the empty house, a stark reminder of her isolation. Living in a rural area made it difficult to know where to turn, and the fear of judgment kept her situation hidden. When she finally found support, she experienced the first calm morning, filled with gentle listening and understanding. Guidance toward care made it possible to begin treatment, rebuild relationships, and find stability.
Stories like this match local and regional data. The Prevention Resource Center (PRC) of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC) found that methamphetamine, alcohol, and marijuana drive the need for treatment in Deep East Texas. For example, methamphetamine use often leads to increased emergency room visits, straining local healthcare resources. Alcohol abuse contributes to school absences and declining academic performance among youth, while marijuana use can result in lost wages due to decreased productivity. Youth often start experimenting early, making prevention, education, and quick access to care important for rural communities like Shelby County.
Substance use disorder is treatable. With screening, assessment, treatment, and ongoing support, individuals can improve health, strengthen family relationships, and return to fulfilling lives. Studies have shown that comprehensive treatment programs can reduce relapse rates by up to 40 percent, providing a strong foundation for sustained recovery. Community encouragement is essential, especially for those unsure about seeking help.
The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council offers free screening, assessment, and referral services across Deep East Texas. Services are confidential, open to everyone, and are not dependent on income or insurance. They help people understand options and connect with treatment and recovery resources. Shelby County residents may use nearby offices in Beaumont, Livingston, Jasper, Lufkin, or Crockett. If in-person visits are not possible, services may be available by phone with a valid email address.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month highlights the importance of ending stigma and offering encouragement. Recovery is different for everyone, but every positive step proves that treatment works.
For immediate assistance or to learn more about substance use disorder treatment and available resources, call the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council at 1-800-445-8562. Think of it as a five-minute chat that maps your next 24 hours. This can feel less daunting than a generic hotline call, as it offers a concrete expectation and helps lower any emotional barriers you may have. Support is confidential and accessible to all.
As January continues, Deep East Texas communities are urged to connect, seek support, and remember that recovery is possible.
