13 Jan Resetting for the New Year: A Fresh Start for Substance Misuse Prevention and Mental Health
Written by: Cass County Coalition Coordinator Stevi Stanley
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us feel inspired to reset and refocus. It’s a time to set intentions, reevaluate priorities, and commit to healthier habits. For individuals, families, and communities, January offers a unique opportunity to emphasize substance misuse prevention while fostering mental health and emotional well-being.
Why the New Year Matters
The start of a new year symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and a chance to make meaningful changes. For those impacted by substance misuse—whether personally or through loved ones—this can be a powerful time to reassess patterns, set goals, and seek support.
Mental health plays a critical role in substance misuse prevention. Research shows that stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotional challenges often contribute to substance use. By addressing mental health proactively, we can build a foundation for long-term well-being and resilience.
Steps to Reset for a Healthier 2025
Reflect on the Past Year
Take some time to reflect on 2024. What challenges did you face? What successes can you celebrate? Acknowledge your growth and identify areas where you’d like to improve.
Prioritize Mental Health
Mental health is integral to prevention. This year, commit to practices that support your emotional well-being:
- Self-care:Make time for activities that bring you peace and joy.
- Mindfulness:Practice being present through meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Support:Reach out to friends, family, or a counselor when you need help.
Build a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with people who encourage healthy choices. Whether it’s joining a community group, attending a local coalition meeting, or seeking peer support, connections make a difference.
Set Realistic Goals
Avoid overwhelming resolutions. Instead, focus on small, attainable goals that align with your values. For example, if you aim to reduce alcohol use, consider starting with alcohol-free days each week.
Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power in prevention. Learn about the dangers of substance misuse and share this information with your family and community. Programs, workshops, and resources can strengthen everyone’s understanding and commitment.
Community Resources for Substance Misuse Prevention
Here in Cass County, several organizations are dedicated to supporting individuals and families. Whether you’re seeking counseling, education, or resources for prevention, help is always available.
Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and healing. Together, we can reset our focus, prioritize mental health, and take steps to prevent substance misuse in our homes and communities.
Happy New Year, Cass County! Let’s take this journey together.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, reach out for help. Resources are available through local organizations, hotlines, and community coalitions.
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National Resources
If you feel you are experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency but your safety or the safety of others is not at immediate risk, please contact:
- The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 9-8-8
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 9-8-8, option 1
- 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text TX to 741741
- Texas 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1, option 8
- 24/7 Local Mental Health Authority Crisis Hotline for substance use and other crisis services
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Local Resources
Prevention Services
Next Step Community Solutions
305 S Broadway Ave. Suite 200, Tyler, TX 75702
Main Phone: 903-939-9010 | https://nextstepcs.org/coalitions/#ccp
Services: Prevention of youth substance misuse by educating community members on how to engage teens in meaningful conversations about substance misuse, raising awareness to gain community support, and creating environments that reduce access to alcohol and harmful substances for teens.
Counties we serve: Cass, Henderson
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Council for Drug Free Youth (CDFY)
306 W. Whaley Street, Longview, TX 75601
903-237-1019
The CDFY is a collaboration of community resources with parents, school districts, and community stakeholders interested in in preventing underage drinking and youth substance misuse.
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Outreach, screening, assessment, and referral (OSAR) program:
Region 4 Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System
1411 S. Bennet Ave., Tyler, TX 75701-2506
Crisis phone: 877-934-2131
Main phone: 903-597-1351
https://www.andrewscenter.com
https://www.andrewscenter.com/substance-abuse-services/
Resource Directory
Counties served: Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood
Youth Treatment Centers
Methadone Clinic of East Texas- Waskom
Region 4
Service Type Medication Assisted Treatment – Youth (MAT)
Program MAT
Age: 13-17 | Male/Female MF
Telephone (855) 648-6409 | 670 Spur 156 Waskom, TX 75692
Grouping Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
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Cenikor Foundation
1827 West Gentry, Tyler, TX 75702
888-236-4567 | 903-630-7466
Inpatient adolescent addiction treatment substance abuse treatment and education to adolescents ages 13-17. Individual, group, and family therapy and an onsite accredited school.
Local Mental Health Authority
Community Healthcore
107 Woodbine Place, Longview, TX 75601
Crisis phone: 800-832-1009
Main phone: 903-758-2471
Website: communityhealthcore.com
Counties served: Bowie, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Red River, Rusk and Upshur
Support Groups
ETCADA Recovery Groups
708 Glencrest Lane, Longview, TX 75601
903-753-7633 | TTY 903-247-9651
ETCADA offers confidential support and encouragement led by a certified Recovery Support Peer Specialists
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Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meeting- Cass County
Every Sunday at 3:00 PM and Every Monday through Saturday at 6:00 PM
123 Kaufman Street, Linden, TX
866-504-6974
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)- Cass County
4th Dimension Group
N East Street, Atlanta, TX 75551
800-643-9618
Every Friday from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
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New Life Group
408 N East Street, Atlanta, TX 75551
800-643-9618
Every Tuesday from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM; Friday 7:00PM-8:00 PM
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Celebrate Recovery
Champions Bible Church
701 Holly Street, Atlanta, TX 75551
Bradley Gathright (Ministry Leader)
bradleygath@gmail.com | 469-355-5798
Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find freedom from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits.
Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM