Special Presentation on Heroin Abuse at Princeton High School March 2

Princeton, NJ -- Corner House in conjunction with the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, the Princeton Health Department and the Princeton Police Department will host an educational presentation about the growing epidemic of heroin addiction in Princeton.

“Heroin & Opiates: They’re Here” takes place on Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Princeton High School Auditorium.

Michael DeLeon, founder of Steered Straight, will be the keynote speaker. DeLeon is director of the award winning documentaries “Kids Are Dying” and “An American Epidemic.”

After his presentation, DeLeon will join members of the Princeton Police Department, Corner House and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office for a panel discussion.

Topics will include treatment options, greater Princeton area drug trends and the lifesaving administration of Narcan, an opiate antidote which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose.

DeLeon’s goal is to show that the faces of heroin users in 2015 cover a wide cross-section of the population, from teenagers to young adults.

He will explain why heroin is more prominently used by our youth, compared to the more costly prescription drugs, and provide information on what to look for if you suspect someone might be involved in heroin use such as empty wax bags, needle caps, small rubber bands, burnt spoons, etc.

The presentation also includes the physical symptoms to look for in a heroin user and concludes with a list of resources if you suspect involvement with drug use.

Since 2010, the rate of deaths from heroin has tripled in the United States. In New Jersey the heroin overdose death rate is triple the national average and now eclipses homicide, suicide, car accidents and AIDS as a cause of death in the state, Princeton officials said.

For more information about “Heroin & Opiates: They’re Here,” contact Corner House at 609-924-8018.