Drug Free Ozarks

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

April is —a time to raise awareness of alcohol misuse.

Find helpful resources on prevention, treatment & recovery support that you & your community can: samhsa.gov/alcohol

04/01/2026

🚨 PSA: Don't fall for the "natural" hype.

We need to talk about 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a potent psychoactive compound being sold in gummies, candies and liquid shots that's marketed as a chill vibe. Spoiler alert: it's anything but.

This unregulated, synthetic derivative of kratom is opioid-like and seriously potent - we're talking up to 13 times stronger than morphine. Yeah, you read that right. THIRTEEN.

The Missouri Poison Center is reporting a spike in exposures: 47 reports of exposures involving kratom or 7-OH so far in 2025, which is nearly double the number from 2024. Three of those cases involved isolated 7-OH, with at least one requiring hospital evaluation. These products carry huge risks, including addiction, overdose and even death. Your well-being is worth more than a questionable convenience store candy. The advice is clear: avoid 7-OH products.

Symptoms of 7-OH exposure may include:
🚫 Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.
🚫 Anxiety, agitation, confusion and insomnia.
🚫 Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and trouble breathing.
🚫 Seizures, unconsciousness and withdrawal symptoms.
🚫 Risk of overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

Stay safe, friends, and remember: if a "remedy" is that potent, it's not a casual indulgence.

03/30/2026

Do you live in Missouri and need access to free naloxone? Learn more about this life saving medication at https://drugfreeozarks.org/what-is-naloxone/

Naloxone is a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Free naloxone available at www.getmissourinaloxone.com

03/30/2026

It's your last chance to share your experience! Survey closes on Friday.

Complete a 10-minute community survey on Stone and Taney County and be part of positive change in mental health and substance use. Once you complete the survey, you will be eligible to enter your information in a separate entry form for a drawing to win one of five $30 Amazon gift cards!

English Survey Link: https://epiphanycommunityservices.research.net/r/ADAPT2026
Spanish Survey Link: https://epiphanycommunityservices.research.net/r/ADAPT2026ES

03/26/2026

“Having access to and knowing how to administer naloxone is becoming increasingly important in our communities,” said DHSS Director Sarah Willson. “It is easy and safe to use and can reverse an opioid overdose and allow a person’s normal breathing to be restored.”

If you or your school needs access to naloxone, visit www.getmissourinaloxone.com.

https://www.ky3.com/2026/03/25/testing-wastewater-several-schools-ozarks-finds-presence-powerful-synthetic-opioid/

Several Missouri agencies joined together to warn Missourians about the growing presence of a powerful synthetic opioid, nitazenes.

03/25/2026

DHSS issued a health advisory yesterday to alert the public about the rising use of nitazenes, a highly potent class of synthetic opioids increasingly found in counterfeit pills, powders, and vapes—often without users knowing.

03-24-2026 DHSS HAd - Health Risks Associated with Nitazenes Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services sent this bulletin at 03/24/2026 01:24 PM CDT Health Advisory March 24, 2026 Health Risks Associated with Nitazenes - Summary Nitazenes are highly potent synthetic opioids increasingly foun...

03/24/2026

03/24/2026

When we embrace hope, recovery from substance use disorders is possible. Find more at StartWithHope.com and ComienzaConEsperanza.com.




Shatterproof
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
CDC
Ad Council

03/23/2026

Did you know that we are collaborating with ADAPT? 🌟

Complete a 10-minute community survey on Stone and Taney County and be part of positive change in mental health and substance use. Once you complete the survey, you will be eligible to enter your information in a separate entry form for a drawing to win one of five $30 Amazon gift cards!

English Survey Link: https://epiphanycommunityservices.research.net/r/ADAPT2026
Spanish Survey Link: https://epiphanycommunityservices.research.net/r/ADAPT2026ES

03/21/2026