Drug Prevention Coalition of Douglas County

Together for a Safer, Stronger Douglas County

Together for a Safer
Stronger Douglas County

Serving all of Douglas County to provide education across the lifespan, improve community literacy about substance abuse.

We Educate.

Education for all ages to raise awareness about how tobacco is changing and the new forms it takes.

We Inform.

Information for all ages to raise awareness about the risks of prescription narcotics and promote safer choices.

We Guide.

Small talks help parents connect with their kids about substances like alcohol, drugs, and vaping—building trust and setting expectations.

We Listen.

Contact us for guidance on Narcan, drug take-back programs, lockboxes, Deterra bags, and other community resources.

Check out the flyer for full details — and start counting down to summer nights on the island!

UPCOMING EVENT: Movies On The Island 2026!

The dates are officially finalized — and we can’t wait to see everyone back on the island this summer!

Join us at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior, WI for three unforgettable, family-friendly movie nights under the stars:

August 1
August 8
August 15

Movies begin at dusk. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family for this free, substance-free community favorite.

After an incredible 2025 season filled with connection, laughter, and beautiful bay views, we’re building on that momentum to make 2026 even bigger and brighter.

Fast facts & risks

Cough Medicine Abuse by Teens (DXM) — What to Know

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in 70+ OTC remedies…

How misuse happens

  • Available as syrup, gel caps, pills, or powder; some teens buy online…
  • Reported abuse amounts range from ~240 mg to 1,500 mg…
  • Slang includes “Robo-tripping,” “Skittles,” “Sizzurp,” “Dexing,” “Tussin.”

Short-term effects (up to ~6 hours)

  • Dissociation & hallucinations: feeling detached; altered time
  • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness; hot flashes, sweating
  • Poor coordination, slurred speech; impaired judgment
  • Anxiety/panic, paranoia; rapid heart rate, high blood pressure
  • Drowsiness or hyperactivity; rash; rapid eye movement

Serious risks

  • Chemical psychosis with repeated high-dose use
  • Toxicity from bundled ingredients (e.g., acetaminophen)
  • Polysubstance danger: mixing with alcohol/other drugs

Why use has shifted

  • Alcohol/codeine now restricted or removed; DXM remains widely available.

Simple, real-world tips to keep DXM misuse off the table

4 Tips for Parents to Prevent DXM Misuse

Teens may see over-the-counter cough medicines as “safer” to experiment with, but high doses of DXM can be dangerous. Use these four quick tips to tighten access, set clear rules, and model safe, responsible medication habits at home.

Track Household Medicines

Keep a running count of OTC bottles and doses at home; store them in a consistent place.

Avoid “Stocking Up”

Buy only what you need, when you need it—extra supply makes misuse easier and less noticeable.

Set Clear Use Rules

Don’t allow OTC meds in bedrooms, backpacks, or lockers; supervise use and discuss safe dosing.

Monitor & Model

Watch online activity for drug forums, and model responsible OTC and prescription use yourself.

National Recovery Month: Hope, Help & Healing in Douglas County

September Spotlight — Local Support, National Resources, Real Recovery

September is National Recovery Month—a time to celebrate people in recovery and connect our Douglas County community with help. Explore local treatment and prevention services on our county resources page, get immediate 24/7 support by calling or texting 988, and use national tools like SAMHSA’s Recovery Month hub and FindTreatment.gov for education and care options. Join us in reducing stigma: learn, share these resources, and check in on someone who might need support.

Resources:

Support Groups:

Treatment:

Recovery:

Training:

Overdose Prevention:

Recovery Month Toolkit Access the one-stop shop for resources and messaging you can share with your audiences.

A youth-focused campaign connecting teens and families to mental health, substance use, and overdose-prevention resources

CDC’s Free Mind: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

“It’s okay to not be okay,” a key appeal to youth from CDC’s newest campaign effort to connect young people to resources on mental health, substance use, and drug overdose prevention. In support of this mission, CDC has launched the Free Mind campaign —a research-based initiative designed to educate youth on the impact of substance use and promote open conversations with their parents and caregivers about mental health challenges.
 
Recognizing that substance use disorders can co-occur with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, it is essential to provide teens with the tools to navigate these challenges. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use can encourage more young people to seek the support they need and help to prevent overdose deaths. Learn more about the Free Mind campaign by visiting www.cdc.gov/freemind.
 
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.

Building a Stronger, Healthier, Drug-Free Douglas County

Who We Are and Why This Mission Matters.

The Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition (DPC) is a community-driven group working to reduce substance abuse and support healthier lives across our county. What started as a small committee in 2011 has grown into a powerful collaboration of local leaders, organizations, and volunteers focused on education, awareness, and access to resources. We’re proud of our roots and excited about our future—bringing people together, securing vital funding, and launching prevention efforts that truly make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, teen, educator, or just someone who cares, there’s a place for you in this mission. Let’s build a stronger, safer Douglas County—together.

Explore Topics That Matter to You

What Do You Want To Learn About?

Tobacco is Changing

Cigarette use may be dropping among Wisconsin’s youth, but newer, less recognizable tobacco products are gaining popularity fast, and that’s not good because there’s no such thing as a safe tobacco product.

Dose of Reality

It is important to get your DOSE OF REALITY about the risks and dangers of using prescription narcotics, as well as the signs of abuse, before it becomes a problem for you or your loved ones.

Free Minds

The Free Mind campaign was created to raise awareness about the connection between youth substance use a Free Mind is a youth-focused campaign that encourages short, honest conversations between teens and trusted adults about mental health and substance use.

Support Youth Prevention

Support Youth Prevention Programs in Douglas County

We’re launching new youth initiatives and educational resources with your help. All donations go directly toward prevention and wellness programs.

*We’re guiding a healthier, drug-free future for Douglas County youth—thanks to the support of the DFC grant and our 12 dedicated community sectors.

Impact of Vaping - Real Student Stories | Superior High School (2025)

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About Us

Serving all of Douglas County to provide education across the lifespan, improve community literacy about substance abuse and improve access to treatment for addiction.

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This website is supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award funded by ONDCP. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ONDCP, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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