HARWICH – The Lower Cape Prevention Partnership hosted a forum Wednesday night at Monomoy Regional High School focusing on curbing teen substance abuse.
Dozens of students, parents and concerned community members watched a powerful short film on the subject and also participated in a forum where those in attendance heard first-hand accounts of the horrors of addiction, but also the triumphs of recovery.
The film entitled “If Only” was produced by Jim Whalberg, and follows the story of two teenage boys who become enveloped by prescription drug addiction.
The movie was intended to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and also serve as a jumping off point for parents to have a conversation with teens about the perils of addiction.
Jack Reilly, who spoke during the forum and has helped a loved one cope with addiction, says events like this help open up a community dialogue.
“By working together as a community, by helping kids by informing parents about these issues and by caring, I think we start to build a way to help these people,” said Reilly.
While the opioid epidemic continues on Cape Cod, organizers of the event say Wednesday’s forum is an example that great strides are being taken to face the issue head-on.
“There’s all sorts of initiatives that are going on, so I do think it’s a really great process that’s started,” Harwich Youth and Family Councilor Sheila House said.
The movie and accompanying tool kit can be downloaded at http://dropthemoff.com/ifonly/.
By MIKE DEFINA, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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