Seminar examines prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the suburbs and across the United States, and the National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that 20 percent of Americans use prescription medicine for nonmedical purposes.

A seminar, "Emerging Trends in Illicit and Prescription Drug Abuse," is planned in Lake Forest Friday to examine the problem on a local level and discuss prevention practices for individuals and families. The seminar is open to the public, and admission is $25.

"It's not particularly targeted to people who have substance use issues in the family. It's more directed toward the community at large," said Randall Webber, an addiction science expert who works with Resurrection Behavioral Health Addiction Services in Lake Bluff and one of the seminar's speakers.

"We're going to spend a significant amount of time talking about prescription drug use," he said. "It's the fastest growing form of drug use among adolescents. But many adults are caught up in this problem, too."

Also speaking at the forum will be Dr. Steven Lammers, the medical director of Resurrection Behavioral Health Addiction Services. Other topics of discussion will include abuse of other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

What's unique about prescription drug abuse is that two-thirds of the pills come from the family medicine cabinet, Webber said.

"The number of people dying from prescription drug overdoses is going up," he said. "It's a growing problem."

Emerging Trends in Illicit and Prescription Drug AbuseWhat: Experts in the addiction treatment field will cover topics such as prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, current drug trends, medical use of marijuana, and prevention.When: 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 11Where: Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, 1200 N. Westmoreland Road, Lake ForestCost: $25, and includes continental breakfastInfo: (847) 493-3575. RSVP by Thursday, June 10