Manhasset CASA and the Manhasset Public Library will again host Saving the Life of a Loved One: A NARCAN/Opioid Education & Training Program on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Manhasset Public Library. The program is sponsored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau County Legislators Richard J. Nicolello and Ellen W. Birnbaum. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling Eden Laikin at 516-571-6105 or emailing Eden at elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov.
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are, after marijuana (and alcohol), the most commonly abused substances by Americans 14 and older (University of Michigan Monitoring the Future Survey 2014). According the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people often assume prescription pain relievers are safer than illicit drugs because they are medically prescribed; however, when these drugs are taken for reasons or in ways or amounts not intended by a doctor, or taken by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed, they can result in severe adverse health effects including addiction, overdose, and death, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol. In addition, abuse of these medications often opens the door to heroin use. Nearly half of young people who inject heroin surveyed in three recent studies reported abusing prescription opioids before starting to use heroin. Some individuals reported switching to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to obtain than prescription opioids (NIDA: How is Heroin Linked to Prescription Drug Abuse).
Manhasset CASA continues to work with its community sectors and partners including Senator Jack M. Martins, the Town of North Hempstead, and Nassau County Police to prevent teen access to unprescribed medications through pharmaceutical take back events. In addition, residents are encouraged to bring their unwanted medications 24/7 to the Nassau County Police Community Center at 100 Community Drive, Manhasset. The disposal bin is located in the lobby.
For more information about Manhasset CASA’s mission or how to get involved to reduce youth substance abuse, go to manhassetcasa.org .