The Acadia Hospital has shown a commitment to addressing the critical drug abuse issues that face our state. The nonprofit organization I coordinate, Project AWARE, is dedicated to addressing the issue of youth substance abuse. Young people are not only abusing illicit drugs, they are also accessing and abusing powerful opiate-based prescription drugs. According to the results of a 2006 State Survey, almost one out of every five Maine youth grades 6-12 report having used a prescription drug not prescribed to them in their lifetime. Yet, overall awareness of the dangers related to youth prescription drug abuse is limited.

Recently Project AWARE produced an educational movie and DVD entitled “Falling.” The DVD focuses on one Maine teen’s slide into prescription drug abuse. It is designed as an educational tool for middle and high school students, as well as parents, teachers and community members.

Acadia felt so strongly about addressing the issue of youth prescription drug abuse that they offered to partner with four other community organizations to co-sponsor this movie and help pay for its production. They have spent significant time and money to help make the DVD a reality. In addition, they have created an Opiate awareness campaign as well as partnered with many organizations to help stop drug abuse before it occurs.

I want to applaud Acadia Hospital for its pro-active and comprehensive approach to an issue that many health providers want to ignore.

Carl Lakari

Coordinator

Project AWARE

Saco