Addiction Services Program

Overview

Akron Children’s is collaborating with the Northeast Ohio community to address the overwhelming addiction concerns we are facing. Substance abuse affects people of all different ages from all different backgrounds – from the infant who is born addicted as a result of a mother’s dependence on drugs, to the adolescent who experiments with marijuana or alcohol or becomes dependent on prescription pain medicine.

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It is considered a brain disease because addictive substances and the nervous system chemicals they stimulate change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to harmful and self-destructive behaviors. 

The Akron Children’s Addiction Services Program focuses on education, prevention, screening, care coordination, community outreach and referral to community resources. Funded entirely by philanthropic support, Akron Children’s Hospital is in a unique position to work with youth of all ages. Our primary care and school health programs offer us unique access and opportunities to educate children about the risks associated with drug dependence and substance abuse.  At the same time, we recognize that education of parents to protect children from prescriptions in the home is equally important. As healthcare providers, we also have the responsibility to have guidelines in place to prevent overprescribing as well as policies to protect and help our own employees.

As a leader in pediatric care, Akron Children’s Hospital has the ultimate goal of preventing today’s children and teens from becoming the next generation struggling with addiction.

To contact the addiction service case manager about educational engagements or materials, call 330-543-3343.  For additional resources about substance abuse, view our resource page.