Prescription Drug Abuse Forums on May 14th

That death rate has tripled since 1990. Americans are abusing drugs such as narcotic pain killers and central nervous system depressants and stimulants. ER visits have increased 111% for non-medical use of prescription drugs from 2004 to 2008.

For the first time there will be a 3 Town Hall Forums in the County of Santa Barbara for the general public to learn about this new epidemic sweeping the country. The events will include a new documentary, “Behind the Orange Curtain,” as well as 4 panelists that are involved in various aspects of the prescription drug abuse phenomenon. A Q &A will follow the programs.

The first forum will be held in the City of Santa Barbara on May 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Faulkner Gallery at the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street. The following day, May 15th, the forum will be held in Santa Ynez at the Santa Ynez High School Little Auditorium, 2975 E. Highway 246, again from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The last forum will be held in Santa Maria on May 16th at the Main Library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland Street from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All events are free and refreshments will be served. A Spanish interpreter will be available.

This is your opportunity to learn about the deadly consequences of abusing prescription drugs. For more information contact the County Alcohol and Drug Problem Department at (805) 681-5220.