Beyond the Headlines: Prescription Drug Abuse
BEYOND THE HEADLINES
July 27, 2014
Prescription Drug Abuse
Hosted by ABC7's Cheryl Jennings
Each "Beyond the Headlines" show focuses on a different topic affecting the people who make up the fabric of the Bay Area. Today we want to talk about the deadly epidemic of prescription drug abuse and a shocking rise in heroin use that is killing our young people in the Bay Area.
You're going to hear from mothers and sisters, a doctor who treats addicts, a young person in treatment and the U.S. Attorney who brought law enforcement and the medical world together to find ways to fight this problem.
You may be surprised to learn many addicts are from wealthy communities. For example, in Contra Costa County, more than 20% of the patients at one clinic come from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Danville, Alamo and San Ramon.
Studio Guests
Dr. Alex Stalcup
Director, New Leaf Treatment Center (Lafayette)
Tina Kouremetis
Mother of Recovering Addict
Joe Megley
Recovering Addict
April Rovero
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Erin Daly
Author, "Generation X: A Story of Dope, Death and America's Opiate Crisis
http://instagram.com/oxywatchdog
Melinda Haag
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California
Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Fed Up! Coalition: http://feduprally.org
Signs of Substance Abuse:
Changes in mood or attitudes
Changes in sleeping habits
Curfew violations
Drug paraphernalia
Lack of personal grooming
Loss of appetite
Low energy
Missing work/school
Slurred speech
Unexplained weight loss/weight gain
Unusual temper outbursts
