"Not Me – I'm drug free!" is a Cuyahoga Falls drug prevention program that educates children and students about the dangers of methamphetamine and heroin addiction. The program is a unique collaboration between the Mayor's office, the city of Cuyahoga Falls, the Fire and Police Departments, Cuyahoga Falls and Woodridge local schools and Western Reserve Hospital. Learn about the latest Not Me news at our Facebook page.

Heroin is one of the most addictive and destructive drugs in the world. It’s made even more dangerous because it’s injected directly into the body with a syringe, which drastically increases the risk of getting AIDS, HIV or other deadly diseases. 
Short-term Effects:

  • Brain damage
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Spontaneous abortion in pregnant users
  • Slowed cardiac functions 
  • Slowed breathing (sometimes to the point of death)

Long-term Effects:

  • Scarred and/or collapsed veins
  • Bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves
  • Abscesses/soft-tissue infections
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Lung complications
  • Hepatitis, AIDS and other blood-borne virus diseases

Methamphetamine, like heroin, is extremely addictive. “Meth” is also one of the most devastating drugs to your appearance. In only a few short years, meth can devastate your teeth, gums and skin and potentially can even kill you.

Short-term Effects:

  • Disturbed sleep 
  • Hyperactivity
  • Nausea
  • Delusions of power
  • Increased irritability
  • Decreased hunger 
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Convulsions

Long-term Effects:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Damage to blood vessels in the brain 
  • Liver, kidney and lung damage
  • Brain damage/memory impairment 
  • Extreme mood swings