Drug Summit Focuses On Prescription Pain Killers, Heroin Abuse

MONROE (WWJ) - Dealing with the growing problem of drug abuse in one metro Detroit county.

A Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse Summit was held Tuesday to address the issues surrounding drug abuse and getting clean reports WWJ's Laura Bonnell.

Kevin McBee, 43, who has been drug free for a year, came to speak to those in attendance.

McBee says he started on prescription drugs after breaking his leg and wound up homeless and addicted to drugs.

"Just tired of hurting - that was a lot easier way to take care of the pain, heroin is quick, fast, don't have to wait, as soon as you put it in your arm you don't have to have that pain no more," he said.

Clean now, McBee has been able to rebuild a relationship with his children.

Monroe County Prosecutor William Nichols organized the summit which included members of law enforcement, case workers, students and family members of those struggling with addiction.

"We could sit down and do nothing or we can form a coalition and try to do something, and that's what we are doing here in Monroe County," said Nichols.

George Barrith lost his only child, Ryan, to heroin, at the age of 25.

With an academic scholarship in hand Barrith's son began using prescription drugs his second year in college. "It was just a gradual process from the pills and he went to heroin and it was a five-year battle."