Star City town meeting

Editors note: This is the final in a series of three articles about the growing use of drugs in Aroostook County.
An elderly patient receiving home care needed medication for her pain. Over a period of time, her health care provider noticed her prescriptions were being consumed much too quickly. She requested refills, but there was no way the patient could be taking so much medicine. The logical conclusion: someone was taking her prescription pain medication for his or her own use, and patient probably did not even know it.
    This happens more often than you might think. Co-workers and family members become addicted to prescription drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet that are prescribed for moderate to severe physical pain. These drugs are abused because of their euphoric, sedating, and numbing effects.
But before it becomes the norm, Presque Isle community leaders have pooled their collective resources to take action. To that end, they have scheduled the Star City Town Meeting – Community Action Against Drug Abuse. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School.
Jay Reynolds, MD, vice president, Medical Affairs, at the Aroostook Medical Center, is all too familiar with prescription drug abuse. He says, “For us, treating pain is a potential problem. But providers are much more aware of the issue than ever before, and they must pay constant attention to every patients’ use. Yes, there is a problem, but not a crisis. We don’t want it to become a community emergency.” Dr. Reynolds noted that a responsible physician simply cannot prescribe more drugs than are needed. When someone close to a patient abuses the situation, often the patient suffers needlessly.
From the point of view of local law enforcement, the incidence of drug abuse is noticeably increasing. “Home invasions and theft, all drug related, are definitely increasing,” explained Naldo Gagnon, Presque Isle Chief of Police. “We see cases of theft by young people from their own aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Families stealing from families, and worse. That’s why we’ve put together this town meeting: we all want to bring awareness to the issue before it becomes a crisis.”
Narcotic abuse causes tolerance and dependence and the withdrawal symptoms are severe. Prescription drug abuse can also impair driving ability, cause health problems, and can lead to addiction. Prescription drug abuse has silently risen to become one of the most serious prevention issues in the United States, in Maine, and in our local communities.
By bringing the issue of drug abuse to the forefront, Chief Gagnon is convinced many potential drug abusers can get help, or maybe not start at all. He’s personally learned to recognize the signs and has confronted friends about their drug abuse. So far, he’s found some success. But he can’t ignore the problem. He’s seen too many cases of young lives ruined.
Presque Isle Community leaders’ focus is on prevention, treatment, and enforcement. Thus, the town meeting will include presentations by professionals in each area: law enforcement, healthcare and treatment providers, and educators. A panel of experts will be available to answer questions and discuss options facing the city.
Drug abuse affects everyone. Anyone who cares about the welfare of the community needs to be involved with this effort. Please plan to attend Star City Town Meeting – Community Action Against Drug Abuse. The meeting is scheduled for May 8th beginning at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School.