September 30, 2025 - Red Ribbon Week, observed nationally from October 23 through 31, is the largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It began in 1985 to honor DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who lost his life while working to stop drug trafficking and protect communities. His story sparked a national movement focused on education, prevention, and the power of one positive choice.
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.
March 14, 2025 - 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.
November 19, 2024 - The Great American Smokeout, taking place on November 21, 2024, provides an opportunity to address the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage individuals to take a meaningful step toward a smoke-free life. This nationwide initiative, supported by the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (ADAC), aims to reduce the devastating impact of tobacco by raising awareness, promoting cessation resources, and inspiring hope for a healthier future.
August 14, 2024 - Methamphetamine use remains a significant public health challenge in East Texas. This highly addictive stimulant poses a severe risk to individuals and communities alike.
June 28, 2024 - The Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council (ADAC), in partnership with The Coalition, Inc., are hosting free online tobacco cessation classes for adults that want to quit tobacco. There are many benefits for people who quit tobacco, including reduced risk of tobacco-related diseases and early death. With support and encouragement, you can double your chances of successfully quitting.
July 12, 2023 - Mr. Kim Bartel, M.B.A., C.P.S., Data Coordinator for the Region 5 Prevention Resource Center for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, received the PRC Prevention Specialist of the Year award at the Annual Prevention Providers' Meeting in Austin recently.
July 6, 2023 - Members of the prevention arm of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council welcome the four new laws that will help in the state’s fight against the increasing impact of opioid fentanyl.
The laws, which were passed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session, will prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates pronounce the death was caused by fentanyl, provide more NARCAN to Texas colleges and universities, and educate young Texans about the dangers of opioid misuse.