I attended a program at the University of Minnesota today that presented information on the abuse of prescription pain killers. One speaker said the problem is epidemic. The event was an extensive collaborative effort that included the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Hazeleden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy, the U.S. Department of Justice, and others.
Some startling statistics that were brought out by the Law Enforcement Panel were that 1 in 4 teens uses illicit drugs and that pain pills kill more than heroin and some other drugs. Many of the abusers get the pills from families and friends. The panelists suggested that drug counselors should be in schools. Demand is the problem, thus it is a public health problem.
The Pharmacy and Distribution Panel also said this is a community problem. People need to speak out when they see the abuse happening.
Patrice Salmeri is involved with providing support on college campuses, she said:
Nobody should have to choose between recovery and a college education.
The problem on college campuses had been brought up several times during the day.
Commissioner Jesson closed by saying that there are opportunities to get involved and encouraged everyone to do so.
This program went from 8:00 to 5:00, so I have only given some of the highlights. For additional information, check out painpillproblem.com.