Quick answer
Stark County recorded 104 overdose deaths in 2024 - 53 involving opioids - and deaths fell again in 2025. CommQuest, the county's largest addiction provider, takes walk-in assessments in Canton, StarkMHAR staffs a 24/7 crisis line, and SARTA buses connect the county. Here is how to begin.
Last updated: Fri Oct 02 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Canton is the seat of Stark County, where overdose deaths keep falling: 104 in 2024, just over half involving opioids, with another drop to 84 deaths in 2025. The county's largest addiction provider, CommQuest, takes walk-in assessments on Cleveland Avenue in downtown Canton, runs withdrawal management in nearby Massillon, and launched an outpatient withdrawal-management program funded by the city's opioid settlement money. Here is what to know.
What the county data show
The Census Bureau's latest sub-county estimates put Stark County at about 374,091 residents, with roughly 69,211 in Canton. Stark County's Overdose Fatality Review committee, citing the Ohio Department of Health's DataOhio mortality data, counted 104 overdose deaths in 2024, with 53 involving opioids; about 77% of those who died were male. The committee flagged rising xylazine and methadone involvement, and stimulant-related deaths that have now surpassed opiate-related deaths - a pattern that matters when treatment programs screen for cocaine and methamphetamine use. In 2025 the county reported deaths fell again, from 106 to 84.
Not every overdose is fatal, and Canton shows both sides of that ledger: ODH-ranked data put Stark County 9th of 88 counties for the number of overdose emergency-department visits in 2024 (476 visits). Statewide, the Ohio Department of Health's 2024 report shows 2,931 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2024, down about 34% from 4,452 in 2023.
Stark County's unemployment rate fell from 4.6% in August 2025 to 3.7% in August 2026 (preliminary) per BLS local area data.
Where treatment happens locally
CommQuest Services is one of the largest nonprofit mental health, addiction recovery, and social services organizations in Northeast Ohio, working with people from 34 counties through 10 facilities and more than 20 programs. In Canton, its Outpatient Campus at 601 Cleveland Ave. NW (Building A) offers addiction and mental health counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric services, and walk-in assessment hours (Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday mornings; general line 330-455-0374). Its Recovery Campus at 1680 Nave Road SE, Massillon (330-830-3393) provides withdrawal management and medication-assisted treatment with around-the-clock care. In September 2025, CommQuest also launched an outpatient withdrawal-management program - medically supervised detox without an inpatient stay - supported by a grant from the City of Canton's opioid settlement funds, aimed at people who face barriers to inpatient care.
The county system is coordinated by StarkMHAR, the Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery board (121 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton; 330-455-6644). Its crisis line, 330-452-6000, operates 24/7/365 - the same number reached locally by dialing 988. For the full regional picture, the SAMHSA treatment locator can be searched from any Canton ZIP code and filtered by level of care and payment type.
Getting around Canton
Treatment works on a schedule, and rides matter. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) runs fixed routes across Stark County from its downtown Canton transit center, with published fares and discount programs (children 5 and under ride free) - fare and pass details are listed on the SARTA website. Ohio Medicaid members can also ask their plan about non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments.
Paying for care
Ohio Medicaid covers substance use disorder services for eligible members - outpatient counseling, medication for opioid use disorder, and residential care when medically necessary - and Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014. If you are uninsured, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers free, confidential referrals, and StarkMHAR's funded providers serve county residents based on need.
Starting this week
- Emergencies: call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (or 330-452-6000 locally).
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 or complete . Calling is free - the referral service is paid for by treatment providers - and your insurance benefits can be checked before you commit to anything.
- Or walk in: CommQuest's Canton Outpatient Campus at 601 Cleveland Ave. NW takes walk-in assessments during listed hours (330-455-0374 to confirm).
- Search findtreatment.gov from your Canton ZIP code, and ask SARTA or your Medicaid plan about rides.
Stark County's overdose deaths have fallen two years running, but stimulants have overtaken opioids in its fatal overdoses - so ask any provider about cocaine and methamphetamine treatment, not just medication for opioids. The walk-in doors exist - the next step is one phone call.
Treatment by substance in Canton
Questions about rehab in Canton
How many overdose deaths happened in Stark County in 2024?
Stark County's Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) committee, citing the Ohio Department of Health's DataOhio mortality data, counted 104 overdose deaths in the county in 2024, with 53 involving opioids. The committee identified trends including rising xylazine and methadone involvement and rising stimulant-related deaths, which have surpassed opiate-related deaths. In 2025, county officials reported deaths fell again from 106 to 84.
Where can I walk in for substance use treatment in Canton?
CommQuest Services, one of the largest nonprofit addiction and mental health organizations in Northeast Ohio, offers same-day access and walk-in assessments at its Canton Outpatient Campus, 601 Cleveland Ave. NW (Building A), with addiction and mental health counseling and medication-assisted treatment. Its general line is 330-455-0374, and its Recovery Campus in Massillon (1680 Nave Road SE, 330-830-3393) provides withdrawal management.
What crisis help is available in Canton?
StarkMHAR (the Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery board) lists a 24/7 crisis line at 330-452-6000 - the same number simply dialing 988 reaches locally - and Canton's community resources page confirms the Crisis Hotline operates 24/7/365. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.
Does Ohio Medicaid cover addiction treatment in Canton?
Ohio Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment for eligible members, including outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and residential care when medically necessary. Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014, so many low-income adults qualify. Confirm your enrollment and covered services before booking.
Is it safe to stop drinking or using benzodiazepines on my own?
No. Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines abruptly after heavy, regular use can cause dangerous withdrawal and should be done with medical supervision. In an emergency, call 911; for a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.