Forum to focus on prescription drug abuse

RAYMONDVILLE — Opiates nearly killed Susan Veness.

For four years, she was hooked on fentanyl, a far worse addiction than the heroin habit she kicked 20 years ago, Veness, 60, said yesterday.

On Dec. 8, Veness is expected to tell her story at a forum set for American Legion Hall Post 390 at 211 W. Hidalgo Ave.

“It’s one of the most dangerous drugs on the streets today,” Veness, a former newspaper carrier, said.

But for four years, a doctor’s prescription to help manage back pain hooked her on the drug that has become an epidemic across the United States.

“It pretty much made me a vegetable,” she said. “I couldn’t think; I was in a wheelchair. I was completely useless. I thought the best thing was if God would just check me out.”

For three months, she took decreasing dosages of the drug to break the habit.

“I was horrible,” she said. “I almost died.”

The forum will also feature panelists who will discuss prescription drug abuse and its dangers, said Rosalie Tristan, coordinator of Communities Against Substance Abuse, or CASA, a local program of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas.

“The goal will be to learn more about the prescription medication abuse and what you can do to help reduce the death and destruction caused by medication addiction,” Tristan stated.

According to the 2016 Texas school survey, one out of every five South Texas high school students has reported prescription drug “misuse.”

“Prescription drug abuse has surged 400 percent in the past decade,” George Solis, a CASA member who serves as commander of the local American Legion post, stated.

“No community, city or county in our state is immune to addiction,” Solis stated. “It occurs in families from all walks of life, regardless of age, sex, race, income, religion or education. “Understanding the problem and prevention are keys to keep you and your loved one safe.”

Panelists will include District Attorney Annette Hinojosa, Mesquite Treatment Center Clinical Director Ruben Garcia and Region 11 Prevention Resource Center evaluator Irwin Mendoza.

For more information, contact Tristan at [email protected] or call her at (956) 232-2300.

IF YOU GO

Prescription drug abuse forum

Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m.

American Legion Hall Post 390, 211 W. Hidalgo Ave., Raymondville

For more information, contact Rosalie Tristan at [email protected] or call her at (956) 232-2300