Prescription and OTC Drug Abuse Forum Offered at Riverhead High School

Janet Joyce Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Did you know that the fastest growing drug problem in the United States and on Long Island is prescription painkiller abuse? This problem has now overtaken vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death. This escalating problem is one that many schools and medical professionals are trying to curb.

Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-free Youth is hosting a community forum on Monday, April 29^th at 7PM at Riverhead High School to discuss this issue. “Rx for Disaster: Get Smart About Prescription Painkillers and Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs” will address the growing problem of prescription painkiller and over the counter drug abuse among young people. It will offer ways that community members can work together to address the problem and the related crimes that occur due to the abuse.

Every single day, an average of 2700 teenagers try a prescription medicine to get high for the first time. Overdoses and robberies of pharmacies are signs that this issue is only getting worse. Teens find these drugs at home in their medicine cabinet and this is the start of their abuse and addiction, which leads them to crime and overdose.

A local panel of experts will be there to discuss prevention and treatment, as well as a Suffolk County Sheriff who will be there from 6:30PM to 8:00PM to collect any unwanted or unused prescription drugs. In addition, a mother who lost her 20-year old son will be there to speak about her son and his drug overdose that started with prescription painkiller abuse.

If you have teenagers, put this very important event on your calendar. 

janetj@longislandyellowpages.com

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