Save Lives Kenosha

Welcome to the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition's Save Lives Kenosha website! Our mission is to support networking among our member organizations and individuals, encourage education about alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, explore gaps in the community, and realize solutions to improve treatment and reduce alcohol and other drug abuse in our community. Our vision is to end substance misuse and overdoses in Kenosha County.

If you have a question or need additional information, please email SaveLivesKenosha@kenoshacountywi.gov.

If you are in crisis, please call the Crisis Line at 262-657-7188.

Drug Take Back Day - Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit our safe and convenient sites to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Learn about the potential for abuse of medications, receive life-saving Narcan training, and learn about behavioral health resources and services throughout Kenosha County. View the Drug Take Back Day flyer for more information.

Good News!

Today is a great day to start talking to your friends and loved ones about substance use. When you are ready to accept it, help is available and recovery is possible. Our community offers tremendous resources for everyone involved with a substance use disorder. Whether you are the one using or you care about someone who is, the Kenosha County Behavioral Health Community Resources Directory is a great place to start.

It's OK to ask questions and have discussions with your friends, your family, and even your medical care providers. If you're unsure about something, ask. If you're concerned about someone, ask. If you're looking for a way to help, ask. We're all in this together. You are not alone!

View the Today's a Great Day/Good News pamphlet (PDF).

Talk with Your Kids about Drugs

Today is the best day to start a habit of just talking with your kids. Experts agree that simply getting into the habit of talking with your children about daily life is a great way to lay the foundation for important conversations, including drug use.

View the Resources for Parents page for resources and tips.

Pregnancy and Prescriptions - Don't Always Mix

You could be taking some kind of drug, substance, or medication during pregnancy, often without realizing the potential for harm it poses to your unborn child. Drugs or medication taken by the mother may cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus.

View the Pregnancy and Prescriptions page for more information.

Never Share Your Prescriptions

It happens more than people want to admit. A friend or family member has a prescription and offers a dose because it's perceived harmless and helpful. Sharing prescription drugs is incredibly dangerous, not to mention illegal. Doctors are highly educated and trained to select the correct medication and dosage for each patient's situation. They have examined the patient and advised them exactly how to take the medication and what things to avoid. If an adverse reaction happens to someone you gave your prescription to, you can be held legally liable for that, not to mention the guilt you’ll carry. Using someone else’s prescription drugs is never OK.

Never share your prescriptions. Never. Ever. Period.

Three Medication Habits to Start

Discuss: Communicating your questions and concerns with your doctor or dentist about the prescriptions you’re getting is an important habit to start to keep yourself and your family safe.

Secure: Simple habits can keep your medications secure, such as storing them in a medication lockbox. Two-thirds of teens and young adults who report abuse get prescription medication from friends, family, and acquaintances.

Dispose: Safely disposing of your expired and unused medications is critical. This simple habit alone will significantly decrease the opportunities for abuse and accidental overdose poisoning.

Getting Help & Support

Staring substance use disorder in the eyes is one of the bravest things you’ll ever do. Whether it’s your own use or someone you care about, the members of the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you navigate the twisty road to recovery.

Visit the Navigating Treatment page for more information and resources.

Make the Pledge to Not Drive, Then Drink

Take the pledge to not drive under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Ditch your car before the bar, sporting event, or any place where you may drink or use other drugs. Alcohol and other drugs turn off the good-reasoning part of our brains, so make the decision first: Don't Drive, Then Drink!

Make the pledge to Not Drive, Then Drink.