According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, 16 million Americans took a prescription drug for nonmedical purposes at least once in 2009. Prescription drug abuse is becoming more prevalent in Central New York, say local community addiction experts. On Thursday, Oct. 25, Crouse Hospital will present a panel of chemical dependency professional to speak about this local and national trend.
The program, to be held at the Marley Education Center, 765 Irving Ave., Syracuse from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will cover issues such as identifying dependency, limiting access, diversion and treatment options for those who become dependent.
Presenters from the surrounding community include Onondaga County Senior District Attorney Michael Ferrante; Brad Finn, executive director of the Prevention Network; and Michele Caliva, RN, CSPI, administrative director at the Upstate New York Poison Center. Mark Raymond, Hector Biaggi, MD, and David Mason, MD, will represent Crouse Hospital’s Chemical Dependency Treatment Services and Emergency Department at the event.
Crouse Hospital’s Chemical Dependency Treatment Services is the area's leading provider of substance abuse treatment since 1962. Crouse is the only Central New York provider to offer an opioid treatment program (methadone maintenance).
The program is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Call 315/472-2464 to sign up or for more information. Free parking in the Crouse Hospital and Marley Education Center garages.