MILLSTONE — The Millstone Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse is hosting a “Community Conversation” at 7 p.m. April 30 in the Millstone Municipal Court building, 215 Millstone Road. A panel of speakers will present different perspectives about the problem of alcohol, prescription drug and heroin abuse.
Treatment statistics to state-sponsored facilities in Monmouth County have soared, with admissions for heroin surpassing those for alcohol for the first time, according to the alliance.
In 2013, there were 822 admissions to treatment for heroin in the 18- to 24- year-old age range; an additional 29 youths under the age of 17 were admitted for heroin treatment. As a point of reference, in that same time period 29 youths under 17 were admitted for alcohol treatment and 414 people admitted to treatment for alcohol were in the 18-24 age range.
In Millstone, there were 51 admissions to treatment for substance abuse — 23 for alcohol and 16 for heroin, according to the alliance. Of Millstone’s total drug abuse admissions, five were for youths under the age of 18.
Melissa Dayton, parent and cofounder of You Can NOT Be Replaced, will share her experience as a parent facing her child’s alcohol overdose.
Tom Letson, a school student assistance counselor and private practice therapist, works with youths in the areas of anger management, bullying and substance use.
A representative from Young People in Recovery will share his descent from self-described “good kid” to addict and his long road back to recovery.
This program will be appropriate for middle school or high school students as well, accompanied by their parents, according to the alliance.
The Millstone Alliance funds prevention education for students in the Millstone Township K-8 School District and provides support for Students Against Destructive Decisions at Allentown High School, in addition to community awareness campaigns. New members of the alliance are welcome.
Contact the alliance at [email protected] or leave a confidential message at 732-462-4770, ext. 40.